A surprise loss to the world No.24 in the third round of the French Open has failed to deter an upbeat Petra Kvitova.
The Czech eighth seed crashed out of the tournament on Saturday following a 7-6(6), 7-6(4), loss to Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit. In both sets Kvitova had a break advantage, but failed to tame her Estonian rival. Who will play in the fourth round of a major for only the third time in her career. Prior to today, Kvitova was on a 13-match winning streak after claiming titles in Prague and Madrid.
“She returned pretty well today. But on the other hand, I didn’t really serve as I wanted.” Kvitova said during her press conference.
“I knew that she was putting every return back, so that’s why I was probably risking my serve. That’s probably why I made some double faults as well.”
“A lot of credit to her. Anett played great tennis today. She didn’t really give me anything.” Kvitova later added.
Roland Garros marks the one-year anniversary of Kvitova’s comeback from a knife attack. An incident that resulted in the 28-year-old missing six months of the tour after undergoing four hours of surgery to repair the damage done to her left playing hand. Since coming back, she has managed to climb her way back into the world’s top 10 at a current ranking of eighth in the world.
Kvitova was a title favourite at Roland Garros due to her surge in success this year. On the tour, she has already won four WTA titles. More than any other player so far this season in the women’s game. Two of those trophies were claimed on the clay. An impressive result considering Kvitova has only ever won four titles on the dirt since her professional debut back in 2007.
“I couldn’t really imagine myself playing so well on the clay. So I’m very proud of myself. I didn’t really think that I will able to do what I did, winning two titles, playing good tennis here (at Roland Garros).” She said.
“For me, it was a great clay season. And I’m pretty sad that the clay season is finishing, but, I’m pretty happy about my clay season.”
Kvitova’s conqueror is by no means an outsider on the tour. 22-year-old Kontaveit has achieved some high-profile wins in recent months. Getting the better of players such as Caroline Wozniacki, Coco Vandeweghe and Venus Williams (twice). She is currently at a ranking high of 24th in the world.
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Known for her positive approach to life on the tour, Kvitova sees a silver lining in her latest loss today. Talking about the emotions she experienced on the court, the Czech believes she can turn it into an advantage for her in the future.
“I think sometimes you just need to play with your heart, which I did today.” She said. “I think that hopefully for the future, it will help me, as well, build the confidence and everything you need for the game. It’s one of the most important things in the tennis, which I think I did today, even if I lost.”
“Of course, I’m pretty sad, but, on the other hand, I’m very happy about everything in the life. I hope that can help me on the grass and for the future.”
Kvitova will start her grass season at the Birmingham International. Meanwhile, Kontaveit faces Sloane Stephens in the fourth round at the French Open.
