Petra Kvitova overcame two tightly fought sets to defeat fellow countrywoman Lucie Safarova 7-5, 7-5, at the WTA Finals in Singapore.
The two Czech players are familiar with each other’s playing style after battling against each other on seven previous occasions since 2012. The first set was a close encounter between the two with no break points occurring in the firsts ten games of the match after some impressive serving. Safarova was the first to get a break point chance to lead 6-5 but was swiftly denied by the two-time Wimbledon champion. With Safarova serving to remain in the set, Kvitova applied pressure by taking her opponent to deuce in her service game for the first time. Kvitova’s first set point was squandered after she hit a ball into the net. After preventing the French Open semifinalist from taking the game, Kvitova had another chance to take the opening set. It was second time lucky for the Czech after a deep forehand towards the baseline won her the crucial set.
Despite the positive end to the first set by Kvitova, she was blown away at the start of the second as the world No.9 unexpected converted a double break to ease ahead 3-0. The fourth seed at times appeared weary on the court as she continues her ongoing recovery from mononucleosis. Safarova’s winning streak was ended in the fourth game as Kvitova recovered one of the breaks after a costly error from the 28-year-old allowed her to gradually nudge her way back to 3-3. Emulating the opening set, the rest of the set went accordingly with serve until the very end with both players successfully fending off break points. Kvitova moved to one game away from the match (6-5) with Safarova serving. The pressure placed onto Safarova’s shoulders overwhelmed her after a duo of unforced errors enabled Kvitova to race to match point. The fourth seed only needed one chance after a deep return to the baseline forced her rival to produce her third consecutive unforced error to allow Kvitova grab the victory.
The victory is Kvitova’s eighth consecutive win over her Fed Cup team mate. During their latest encounter, Kvitova produced 5 aces, 25 winners, 23 unforced errors and converted 3/7 break point opportunities.
Following her victory, Kvitova spoke of her delight about winning the match after losing her opening one in the tournament to Germany’s Angelique Kerber. She also paid tribute to her rival, whom she called ‘one of the nicest’ people on the tour.
“I’m really glad that I was able to play and win the match after my first one. I know that Lucie wasn’t really healthy a couple weeks ago and I’m happy she’s here. It’s great to have two Czech players here in the White finals”. Kvitova said.
“I’m glad I won ”. She added.
The win has revived Kvitova’s chances of progressing to the semifinals of the tournament. She has reached the semifinals of the tournament twice in her career, 2011 (when she won the title) and 2013.
