Australian Open semi-finalist Petra Kvitova breaks down in tears as she reflects in career revival

Two years ago, Petra Kvitova was told she might never play top-level tennis again. So after blasting her way into the semi-finals, she broke down in tears when quizzed on her remarkable journey.

Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (L) is interviewed by former champion Jim Courier. Picture: AFP

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Petra Kvitova has sympathised with Ash Barty after terminating the Australian’s Melbourne Park campaign as the Czech focuses on her “second career.”

Told she might never play top-level tennis again after having her racquet hand severely gashed by a knife-wielding intruder in a 2016 home invasion, Kvitova is overwhelmed to be back in the hunt for a major.

The dual Wimbledon champion and former world No 2 hadn’t reached a major semi since winning Wimbledon in 2014.

Petra Kvitova sheds a tear as she is interviewed by Jim Courier following her quarter-final victory. Picture: AP

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The long drought, and memories of the horrific stabbing, carried her to tears after eliminating Barty to reach the last four here.

Kvitova was injured in a home invasion in December 2016 where she was stabbed in her left hand. Picture: AP

“Actually, it was kind of a mix of emotions of everything I’ve been through,” she said.

“You know, sometimes I’m not really recognising anything from the past. “But when Jim (Courier) asked that, it wasn’t really easy for me to kind of see myself being in a semi-final after everything.

“I always wanted to come back and play on the highest level I can, compete with the best, play the grand slams, actually be very deep in the grand slam, which is happening.

“Yeah, it just took me a bit to the tears, but it was happy tears, for sure.”

Unsure if she could return, Kvitova is now back.

“I’m calling it as my second career,” she said.

“So it’s the first semi-final of the second career.

“But, yeah, it’s took me while, for sure. I never really played so well on the grand slams, so I’m happy this time it’s different. I’m really enjoying it.”

Kvitova celebrates her straight sets demolition of Australia's Ash Barty. Picture: AFP

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Kvitova heaped praise on Barty.

“Ash is great in a way. She’s a great person and great player, as she showed,” the Czech said.

“I think it’s not really easy to play quarter-final of the slams at home. I know the pressure when I’m playing home, as well. It’s not easy.

“She really played unbelievable tennis today, as well.

“I mean, her slice was two centimetre under the net. It was really incredible what she been through whole tournament.

“Yeah, I’m a bit sorry for her that I beat her. But that’s the tennis, unfortunately.”