Quarterfinal-Bound: Petkovic Survives Brengle, Keys Rolling

By Volvo Car Open Apr 9, 2015 05:40pm ET

Technically, Andrea Petkovic has never lost a match at the Volvo Car Open.

MORE: Kerber Moves Through Safely | Thursday Schedule | Draws | Tickets

The 2014 champion won again on Thursday, her 10th career victory in Charleston coming in the form of a 6-4, 6-4 third-round effort against American Madison Brengle.

Petkovic’s record can remain pristine on Daniel Island thanks to a withdrawal prior to her third round match against Caroline Wozniacki in 2013, meaning that “L” wasn’t a played-out match, and meaning “Petko” is still perfect at the Cup.

“I’m very uptight and I’m a very stiff German most of the time, so being relaxed and being here with my family… they relax me,” the No. 3 seed said of her win streak in Charleston. “I don’t think about tennis all the time, and I’m really enjoying my life; and that’s something that I sometimes forget during the hard weeks on the tour.”

Petkovic has worked her way through two hard matches, and on Friday will face 20-year-old Danka Kovinic. Kovinic, a qualifier, was gifted a walkover after 2007 winner here Jelena Jankovic was forced to withdraw due to a right foot injury.

Meanwhile, American No. 7 seed Madison Keys continued her hot form, the 20 year old taking down Andreea Mitu 6-2, 6-0. Keys has dropped just five games en route to the quarterfinals. It’s there that the American will meet fellow rising star Lauren Davis, a winner against Mona Barthel, who retired down 6-4, 3-0 vs. the Ohio native.

Elsewhere on Thursday No. 5 seed Angelique Kerber won comfortably while No. 8 Caroline Garcia suffered an upset, a three-set loser to qualifier Lucie Hradecka. It took three sets for No. 4 Sara Errani to win through, overcoming teenager Sara Sorribes Tormo, who’s had the tournament of a lifetime by winning four matches (two in qualifying).

It’s been a solid effort for Davis, as well, who shocked Genie Bouchard, the No. 1 seed, in round two before moving on Thursday.

“I love the tournament,” said Davis, an Ohio native. “This is an amazing tournament (and) I love the support. I feel really comfortable on the clay (and) I feel like I’m sliding well and that my game really suits it well… I’m just really enjoying myself.”