"I promised my son a new pair of trainers if I won so he was going crazy!"
Friday's second quarter-final was even less competitive, as Wright produced a ruthless front-running display to beat Whitlock 16-5.
The number two seed, stretched 5-0 in front in the blink of an eye and from that point on was never troubled as he remained on course for his second final appearance, having lost to Phil Taylor 12 months ago.
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Whitlock had just one leg dart over the opening five - that a shot at bullseye which he missed by some distance - as his bid for a third semi-final appearance was ended.
The Australian did find time for some showboating as he went bull, bull, double 16 to save the match with a 132 finish in the 20th leg, having earlier hit bullseye for a 130 checkout.
But it was Wright who looked in command from the very first darts of the match, a 140 checkout midway through his highlight as he averaged 101.35 and cruised into the last four, sealing victory on a bullseye of his own.
Wright averaged 101.54 despite only hitting three 180s but was particularly deadly on doubles, hitting 16 and missing just five, as he fired a warning shot to Suljovic ahead of his third semi-final appearance in the last four years.
He won his final 11 legs without missing a checkout and managed three above 100 including a highest of 140.
"I wasn't really feeling it tonight until just before I went on stage and then I got my focus," said Wright, who will face Suljovic in Saturday's semi-final.
"I wanted a lot more tonight but I was struggling a bit in the heat which affected my darts. I've been practicing my finishing a lot so it was pleasing to be so accurate on my doubles.
"Simon is always capable of running off a number of legs so I had to keep my concentration to stay in front and keep him under as much pressure as I could.
"The main thing was I got the win but I will have to be better to win the tournament."
Thursday July 26
Quarter-finals (Best of 31 legs)
Friday July 27
Quarter-Finals (Best of 31 legs)
TV channel: Sky Sports
Saturday July 28 (1900 BST)
Semi-finals (best of 33 legs)
TV channel: Sky Sports
Sunday July 29 (1900 BST)
Final (best of 35 legs)
TV channel: Sky Sports