Petra Kvitova has began her bid for a third Wuhan title with a straightforward 6-3, 6-4, win over Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunić in the second round.
Bidding to become the first player on the WTA Tour this season to win a sixth trophy, Kvitova proved too strong for the world No.63. Breaking Krunic twice in the first set and once in the second on route to victory. The powerful display saw the Czech hit a total of 34 winners. 28 more than that of her rival. Furthermore, Kvitova also produced 13 aces and won 70% of her first service points.
“The last time I played her I lost. So I knew that she is strong.” Kvitova said about Krunic afterwards. “She played a great match yesterday (against Camila Giorgi) to win in the third (set) and maybe she was a bit tired.”
“I think I kept going, played aggressive and I was patient enough as well.” She added.
Kvitova will play either Kiki Bertens or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round of the tournament. The Czech is aiming to end her season on a high with the goal of playing in the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore. Kvitova is yet to secure an automatic qualifying place, but lies fourth in the race. Only the top eight will go to the tournament.
Asked about her own intentions in Wuhan, Kvitova is staying grounded about the prospect of winning the tournament for a third time. Since the first tournament in 2014, she is the only player to have won the title on multiple occasions.
“I don’t know if I have any expectations. It is towards the end of the season, everybody is tired, obviously. But at the end of the day I love to play in Asia, to play in China. This is a great venue for me.” She explained.
“I have beautiful memories from those two years that I won. It be great if I could have a couple more results, but I am staying on the ground.”
Svitolina exits, Keys retires, but Wozniacki wins
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina became the highest seed yet to exit the tournament. The 24-year-old was edged out 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, by rising star Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian 20-year-old won her maiden WTA title earlier this year in Connecticut. Svitolina is her seventh win over a top 10 player this season.
It’s another Top 10 win for @SabalenkaA!
Defeats Svitolina 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 #WuhanOpen pic.twitter.com/va3SRPtwj6
— wta (@WTA) September 25, 2018
Throughout the match, Sabalenka saved seven out of 10 break points she faced, including two in the deciding set. She also won 68% of her first service points and broke Svitolina four times. Setting her up with a showdown against American qualifier Sofia Kenin, who stunned 11th seed Julia Goerges in three sets.
Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber spent less than an hour on the court against an injured Madison Keys. The German third seed was leading 6-0, 4-1, before Keys retired due to a left knee injury.
“It’s great to be back in Wuhan. I feel good so far. I was trying to play good tennis from the first point and I think it was a good start (to the tournament). Especially the first set.” Kerber commented about her performance.
Ashleigh Barty, who was runner-up in the tournament last year, will be Kerber’s next opponent. The Australian battled back from a set down to dismiss China’s Saisai Zheng 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Caroline Wozniacki also secured her place in the third round of the tournament. The Dane dropped only five games during her 6-4, 6-1, win over Swedish qualifier Rebecca Peterson. This week the Australian Open champion is bidding to win back-to-back matches for the first time since June.
“It’s great to get a good start, obviously. Every match counts,” Wozniacki said.
“I’m just trying to keep my head down and keep focused and try to win as much as I can to get that (WTA Finals) spot.”
Wozniacki will play Monica Puig next.
