Ivanovic unable to break Garcia hoodoo

Former world number one Ivanovic had breezed into the last eight by thrashing Sara Sorribes Tormo, but was always likely to face a stiffer challenge on Friday against a player who had triumphed in their last three meetings.

French tennis player Caroline Garcia in action.

Caroline Garcia maintained her impressive recent record against Ana Ivanovic to book a spot in the semi-finals of the WTA Mallorca Open.

Former world number one Ivanovic had breezed into the last eight by thrashing Sara Sorribes Tormo, but was always likely to face a stiffer challenge on Friday against a player who had triumphed in their last three meetings.

Garcia was able to extend that winning run, although she was made to work hard for a 7-6 (11-9) 5-7 6-3 victory. The Frenchwoman saved five set points in the tie-break that decided the opener.

"I was down in the tie-break and had no choice but to go for it and take the opportunity before she could," said Garcia. "I had so many opportunities, but I stayed positive. It's good to win matches like this against a big player."

Next up for Garcia is a clash with Kirsten Flipkens - a semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2013. Flipkens beat qualifier Veronica Cepede Royg 7-5 6-3 and Garcia said: "It's a good test for me because she loves grass. I will have to be aggressive and put the pressure on her."

Saturday's other semi-final will feature second seed Jelena Jankovic - a 6-3 6-3 winner over Sorana Cirstea - and Anastasija Sevastova, who came through a three-setter with Mariana Duque-Marino.