In both the second round and the quarterfinals at the Open GDF SUEZ, Petra Kvitova came from behind to win. Her match against friend and countrywoman Barbora Zahlavova Strycova lasted three and a quarter hours, and she followed that with another three-set match. She had an easy win in the semifinals, but one had to wonder how much--physically and mentally--she had left to give in the final.
Enough, as it turns out. The fourth seed defeated new world number 1 Kim Clijsters 6-4, 6-3, hit ten aces along the way, and once again displayed a steady and thoughtful demeanor that is in contrast to the up-and-comer we saw just a year and a half ago. Australian Open champion Clijsters was the favorite to win in Paris, but Kvitova outshone her in both serving and returning. Kvitova won the match on the Belgian's serve, though Clijsters saved one match point by hitting her only ace.
Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Meghann Shaughnessy won the doubles championship. The 3rd seeds defeated Vera Dushevina and Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 6-2.
Whoa! I did not expect that. I really like Kvitova's game and am happy to see her do well. This season/year looks to be an exciting one with the "new" talent making strides and gaining confidence. Congratulations, Petra!
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for a Clijsters-Kvitova final, and I got it. What impressed me was that--having played in those two knock-down, drag-out matches-- Kvitova found a way to get in and out of her semifinal match so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI watched the match on Tennis TV. Later, I had the replay on on Tennis Channel, and you'd have thought it was a different match. The commentators kept implying that Kvitova didn't have a chance, and then, when she lost, they said that Clijsters was probably tired. It wouldn't have been such a head-shaker if Kvitova hadn't been on the court for hours on end most of the week.
I was really disappointed when the commentator asked Petra 'Was your win logical?' What kind of question is that?? Yes, it was an upset, but Petra has been one of the inform players of the year.
ReplyDeleteQuite an insulting question to a worthy champion of this event.
Why would Kim be tired? They definitely didn't send enough kudos Petra's way...really great to see Petra come of age, hopefully she can keep up her brilliant form
-Karolina
I think it was a "lost in translation" moment, and he meant "did you expect it?" It certainly didn't come out right, whatever the reason.
ReplyDeleteIt appears, too, that some fans also haven't bothered to notice that this is a different Kvitova from the 2008/2009 version. She thinks now before she hits the ball, and she doesn't always hit it flat. But there is still a perception of her as someone with potential and little else.
I hope she can defy some of our expectations on clay, though I don't think that's ever going to be a great surface for her. Still, she is a pleasure to watch, and she seems to have nowhere to go but up.