Despite securing a place in the last 16 of the Madrid Open, Petra Kvitova is not taking anything for granted after her experience during the first five months of the season.
At the Caja Magica the tenth seed overcame a stern test from Olympic champion Monica Puig to win 6-3, 7-6(9). The two-time Wimbledon champion entered the clash on a six-match winning streak following her win at the Prague Open last week. Against Puig Kvitova capitalized on her rivals at-times lackluster serve. Grabbing a double break to seal the opening set.
The deceivingly straightforward score line wasn’t a true reflection of the resistance the Czech player faced in the match. Puig continued to apply the pressure, but failed to convert her break point opportunities. The closeness between the two players continued throughout the second set as both struggled to capitalize on their chances. At 5-5, Kvitova was on the verge of being broken before a net cord in her favor saved her. Resulting in the proceedings going into a tiebreaker.
A similar trend occurred in the tiebreaker with both faltering at the wrong moment. On her first match point Kvitova produce a double fault. Two points later it was Puig’s chance to snatch the set, but she hit a forehand beyond the baseline. Eventually Kvitova secured her place in the third round after a deep shot was returned out by her rival. Prompting a deep sigh of relief from the 10th seed.
“It was a big battle. I lost to her twice before, always in three sets. My most painful (loss) was in Rio, but she played really great there.” Reflected Kvitova. “She played great today as well. She served well.”
The highs and the lows
Now on a seven-match winning streak, the Czech player continues to be troubled by the mental side of her game. This year she has already won three WTA titles and suffered four first match losses in tournaments. The roller coaster run is something that remains a prime concern for the former world No.2.
“I think with the wins it is going better and better. A little bit higher.” She told Ubitennis about her confidence levels. “This year has been always up and down. In Australia I was very down mentally as well. In the USA as well.
“I have one month good, one month bad. The confidence (levels) always shows how I feel on the court.”
There is no easy way to fight mental demons on the court. Although Kvitova is known for coming back from adversity. Less than 12 months ago she returned to the tour following a knife attack that threatened to destroy her career. Causing extensive damage to her left hand.
“I’m trying to turn it off sometimes in my mind, which is not very easy to not think about tennis.” She said about tackling her mental blips.
“Obviously I have a lot of practice and kind of fight with my confidence. I didn’t really think I played badly in those matches, but I didn’t win and it is always tough.”
Kvitova has sought guidance from a sports psychologist over the past three years. An approach that more and more tennis players are turning to. She joked that she ‘hopes it is a benefit’ for her. Reflecting the upbeat personality that has won her an army of fans.
One surface where she hopes to have no confidence issues will be on her beloved grass. A surface that she has won three titles on, including two grand slams.
“The grass is my home and hopefully it will not happen on the grass.” She said.
In the next round Kvitova will play either Anett Kontaveit or Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
