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Svitolina upsets Pliskova to advance to Rome semis

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

ROME - Second-seeded Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic lost 6-3, 7-6 (9) to No. 8 seed Elina Svitolina in the Italian Open quarterfinals Friday.

It was the Ukrainian's first victory over Pliskova in five meetings and set up a semifinal against third seed Garbine Muguruza, who defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.

Anett Kontaveit's dream debut ended as the Estonian qualifier lost 6-2, 6-4 to Madrid Open champion Simona Halep.

The 21-year-old Kontaveit, who beat top-ranked Angelique Kerber in the second round, saved two break points before succumbing to Halep's clay-court prowess.

The Romanian, who is seeded sixth, next faces Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, after the 15th seed beat Australian qualifier Daria Gavrilova 6-3, 6-3.

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