TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – No problem. Eugenie Bouchard handled the occasion. She simply ignored it. What the Canadian star couldn’t handle was Petra Kvitova’s game. by James Beck
Results, Order of Play, Draws and Interviews from The Championships
No problem. Eugenie Bouchard handled the occasion. She simply ignored it.
What the Canadian star couldn’t handle was Petra Kvitova’s game.
But that’s not a problem for only Bouchard. It might be nearly impossible for any of the game’s new upstarts, or even Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, to win a Wimbledon title anytime soon if Kvitova stays healthy and focused.
The Czech left-hander was definitely focused in Saturday’s Wimbledon women’s final. She played brilliantly, possibly the best any woman has played in a Wimbledon final since Martina Navratilova.
Perfectly Suited For Wimbledon
Kvitova’s game is perfectly suited for Wimbledon’s grass. She may become a fixture there, winning several more titles to go with the two she now owns.
Of course, Kvitova’s game is nothing like the one Navratilova played, although both are left-handed Czechs.
Navratilova’s game was all about athleticism. She was unmatched around the net.
Kvitova played quick-strike power tennis Saturday. She pummeled Bouchard.
The bouncy Bouchard was about as cocky going into the final as you’ll ever see a Wimbledon finalist. She won her first service game, but had to rally from 15-40 to hold another service.
Kvitova’s Game Was That Superior
Welcome to the real world of Wimbledon, Genie.
It wasn’t that Bouchard played that badly. Kvitova’s game was just that much better.
This wasn’t like some other mismatches. It wasn’t a boring women’s final by any means, although the 6-3, 6-0 score might indicate otherwise.
Kvitova played so well that the final was highly entertaining. Viewers kept waiting for Kvitova to implode, to lose focus and let Bouchard back into match. Instead, Kvitova just got better.
So often, Bouchard couldn’t even put Kvitova’s big left-handed strokes back into play. Bouchard also was overwhelmed by Kvitova’s serve.
What Effect Will Mismatch Have On Bouchard?
Bouchard was impressive in this Wimbledon against lesser players. Is she really that good? She didn’t appear to be that outstanding against Kvitova. But that may have been just a matchup problem.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Bouchard the rest of the summer. It was great to make a Wimbledon final, but such a mismatch might have a lasting effect on the 20-year-old beauty.
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James Beck is the long-time tennis columnist for the Charleston (S.C.) Post and Courier newspaper. He can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com
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