Angelique Kerber admitted nerves almost got the better of her after needing seven match points to see off Daria Kasatkina and reach the Wimbledon semi-finals here yesterday.

Russian youngster Kasatkina broke back when Kerber first served for the match, and then saved six match points during an epic final game. Kerber came out on top in a spectacular 25-shot rally to force match point number seven and finally got the job done as Kasatkina netted a forehand, the German a relieved 6-3, 7-5 winner.