"I think it's important not to panic" - Barty reveals mindset after battling past Kvitova

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty faced a tremendous challenge on Wednesday at the Madrid Open, but was able to overcome Petra Kvitova to advance to the semifinals.

The top seed required an hour and 48 minutes to pull off the 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory, extending her winning streak on red clay to 15 consecutive matches. Furthermore, she has won her last 10 matches against Top 20 opponents, and is 11-1 in three-set matches played in 2021.

"It's just always staying in the fight," said Barty about her record in deciding sets. "Always staying in the hunt and never letting it slide away. That certainly doesn't guarantee results, doesn't guarantee success. It guarantees you give yourself the best chance to do what you do and to figure it out and to find your way."

The 2019 Roland Garros champion is 24-3 this season, and is third on the list of active players with winning streaks on red clay, behind Sara Errani (16, 2013) and Serena Williams (32, 2013-2014).

"I think it's important not to panic, but everyone emotionally has different ways that they play on the court," revealed Barty. "I have always been quite calm on the court. That's just always been my demeanor. But for me, it's more about just trusting myself and knowing that we just keep chipping away and trying to find a way - and then give yourself time to do that."

The Aussie will face Paula Badosa in the semifinals, with the Spaniard upsetting eighth seed Belinda Bencic in their quarterfinal match. Barty will be looking to avenge her loss to the World No.62, as Badosa prevailed 6-4 6-3 in their quarterfinal encounter at Charleston earlier this year.