Charleston: Kerber books Stephens semi

Angelique Kerber cruised into the Volvo Car Open semi-finals to set up a clash with seventh seed Sloane Stephens.

Angelique Keber.

Angelique Kerber cruised into the Volvo Car Open semi-finals to set up a clash with seventh seed Sloane Stephens.

The reigning Australian Open champion is chasing her second title of the season and looked in fine form as she smashed Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2 6-3 in one hour, 12 minutes.

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Kerber made short work of the Romanian, winning 66 per cent of points on first serve and managing to win an impressive 45 per cent of points on first return as well.

The German did not face a break point all match and converted four of the five break opportunities that came her way.

She will face American Stephens in the semi after her three-set win over 14th seed Daria Kasatkina.

Stephens prevailed 6-1 5-7 7-5 in a contest that lasted two hours, 24 minutes.

There were no shortage of break opportunities for both players, but Stephens proved slightly more clinical when her opportunities came, breaking five times compared to Kasatkina's three.

On the other side of the draw, Elena Vesnina defeated Laura Siegemund 7-5 6-4 and will face Sara Errani after she progressed against Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (7-2) 6-1.