Bianca Andreescu became the first local Canadian Open semi-finalist since 1979, overcoming a groin injury to beat third-seeded Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic 6-0, 2-6, 6-4 in windy conditions.
The 19-year-old Andreescu, from nearby Mississauga, is returning from a right shoulder injury that sidelined her since the French Open in May. She won in Indian Wells in March for her first WTA Tour title.
Andreescu played her fourth consecutive three-set match, giving her by far the most time on the hard courts of Aviva Centre on York University’s campus. She needed a medical time-out in the second set for treatment on her groin.
Andreescu will face American Sofia Kenin on Saturday (Sunday AEST). Kenin beat sixth-seeded Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 7-6 (2), 6-4. The 20-year-old Kenin upset top-ranked Australian Ashleigh Barty in the first round.
The other semi-finals will feature eighth-seeded Serena Williams against second seed Naomi Osaka of Japan, while Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova will face fourth-seeded Simona Halep of Romania.