Petra Kvitova overcame a slow start to progress to the third round of the US Open with a 7-6(3) 6-2 win over Kateryna Kozlova.
The Czech Republican had to overcome a slow start as she moved into the last 32 of the US Open with a straight sets win over Kateryna Kozlova.
A double fault from Kvitová secured the break for the Ukrainian, for a 3-2 lead as the world number 99 was being aggressive with her shot-making.
Kozlova produced some good angles and stunning forehands as she took control of proceedings in the first set.
However a nervous service game in the tenth game saw Kvitová pounce on her fifth break point to break back for 5-5.
Despite having a set point saved, Kvitová wasn’t fazed in the tiebreak as she won seven of the ten points to win the opening set in 1 hour and 8 minutes.
The second set was a much more dominant display as she dictated play with her forehand and found more rythym on her serve.
Two breaks in the second set were enough for victory in a match where she won 89% of her first service points.
After the win, Kvitová acknowledged the tough battle that she had, “It was very difficult today. Especially with my nerves I felt very tight, couldn’t move well and couldn’t swing,” Kvitová boldly said in her on-court interview.
“But’s it’s a grand slam, I mean, in the beginning of a tournament it is always like this. I really had to fight and I had to come back in the first set. I’ve never played her so it was kind of challenging as well but I’m really glad with how everything went and she played a great match.
“Unfortunately I only had one match (going into the US Open) in New York but since then I kind have been trying to find a balance between practicing and taking some time off. That’s really important because they body has to rest. I’m happy to be in the third round and still be here fighting.”
Kvitová will play Kirsten Flipkens or Jessica Pegula in the third round.
Mladenovic’s Nightmare Tournament Continues
Kristina Mladenovic, who is placed under strict protocol after being in close-contact with Benoit Paire, crashed out of the US Open after letting a 6-1 5-1 lead slip.
The Frenchwoman won 11 of the opening 13 games before her Russian opponent Varvara Gracheva came back to win 12 of the next 13 games to claim victory.
The Russian will now play eighth seed Petra Martic on Friday, who beat Kateryna Bondarenko in straight sets.
There were also wins for former champion Angelique Kerber and in-form Anett Kontaveit as more players look to book their place in the last 32.
