Petra Kvitova reaches Birmingham final after Lucie Safarova retires injured

Updated 24/06/2017 at 14:43 GMT

Petra Kvitova secured her place in the final of WTA Birmingham after Lucie Safarova had to withdraw through injury while trailing in the second set.

Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic celebrates during the semi final match against Lucie Safarova

Image credit: Getty Images

The seventh seed took the opening set in comprehensive fashion, losing just one game to her Czech compatriot and began the second in equally commanding form.

Safarova was unable to continue beyond the second game of the second set with Kvitova able to complete a 6-1 1-0 victory to reach Sunday's showpiece match.

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The world number 16 will now face Ashleigh Barty in the final, a surprise winner over sixth seed Garbine Muguruza in the second semi-final.

Barty also had a walkover earlier in the tournament with Italian Camila Giorgi retiring with a leg injury in the first set of their quarter-final.

American Coco Vandeweghe also retired with an ankle injury in her quarter-final against Spain's Muguruza on Friday.

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Remarkably, Birmingham is just her second tournament back after she suffered a knife attack in December with her run to the final representing a stunning comeback.

She returned to action in the French Open, going out in the second round, but she has been confident and sharp on her favourite surface.

Kvitova won Wimbledon in 2011 and again in 2014 and she is clearly buzzing with anticipation for the return to the All England Club which she has called her "home".

Highlights: Kvitova makes Birmingham final as Safarova withdraws

"I couldn't have imagined to have a better comeback than I am having now. Paris was a bit weird and strange, and I couldn't play the best over there," she said.

"I am happy that I am able to show good tennis here. I played four matches already, so it's a good record and good preparation for the final.

"The hand is good, which... I am not feeling any pain, and that's the best news."