Though the upset of the 12th seed in the second round of a big tournament may not sound--on the face of it--like news, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova's upset of Petra Kvitova at the BNP Paribas Open is notable. Kvitova, who impressed the tennis world last season, and who has already won two tournaments this season, was expected by many tennis fans to make it to the more serious stages in the draw in Indian Wells.
On the other hand, there probably isn't a more "dangerous floater" than Zahlavova Strycova these days. In Paris, Kvitova defeated Zahlavova Strycova 6-4, 6-7(6), 7-6(9) in a dramatic three hour and fourteen-minute match; this time, Zahlavova Strycova prevailed, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5. She went on to win her 2nd round doubles match, too. She and partner Iveta Benesova defeated Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez and Anabel Medina Garrigues 7-6, 6-7, 10-5. The Czech team is seeded 7th.
Thanks Diane,
ReplyDeleteI was annoyed to see that Kvitova lost -- completely forgot that it was Strycova who took her to such a close match in Paris.
David
They are friends, too, so that adds some more drama.
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