TOKYO, Japan – Monica Puig produced a typically gutsy comeback to upset former champion and No.7 seed Petra Kvitova and reach the quarterfinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open.

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Despite playing much of the contest on the back foot, Puig played the more assured tennis when it mattered to run out a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 winner.

“It was difficult conditions today – the conditions were heavy and the roof was open this time – so it took me a little bit of time to adjust,” Puig said. “I just kept fighting and that’s what got me through today.”

The Puerto Rican, who also beat Kvitova on her way to Olympic gold this summer, is yet to lose to a left-hander in 2016 and will now face either defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska or Barbora Strycova.

“I didn’t know I hadn’t lost [to a left-hander], but they’re very difficult to play and always tricky,” she said when quizzed on her record after the match.

More to follow…