Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is hoping for a change in her fortunes after enduring a troublesome start to 2016.
The world No.9 will be bidding to win back-to-back matches for the first time this year at the upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships. The Czech began her year in the Shenzhen Open, where she withdrew during the first round due to a stomach virus, which also forced her out of the Brisbane International. Recovering from the virus, the Czech endured fresh disappointment with a surprise second round exit at the Australian Open.
The poor start to the year resulted in Kvitova parting ways with her long term coach David Kotyza after seven years. At the time the 25-year-old said that she decided to separate with Kotyza because she wanted a change in her game. Since the surprise separation, Kvitova has gone it alone as she hunts for a suitable replacement. Whilst some people questioned Kvitova’s decision, it appears to be paying off for her.
“Now I don’t have a coach, I’m just by myself. I’m enjoying this change and I hope it will help my game”. Kvitova said during an interview with The National in Dubai.
“I feel more free. In practice, in matches, every decision now is about me. I am learning a lot about myself as a player. It is a lot of responsibility, of course. It is my job and my game, so everything is on me.
“I just feel this step is important for me to find out what I want, what I need to do and how I can play well again.”
Sometimes the best way for a player to get back to their best is to let them evaluate their game on their own. Having somebody there to say what is right and wrong doesn’t always allow players to think for themselves. For some players it works, but for others, such as Kvitova it doesn’t.
It is evident the Kvitova it still to find her best form. Recently at the Fed Cup she suffered defeats to Simona Halep and Monica Niculescu. Meanwhile, looking ahead to the Dubai tournament, the Czech is still lacking confidence.
“I can’t say I am fully confident right now but it’s nice that I can play some more matches,” she said.
“I will do my best to go as far in the tournament as I can.”
After recovering from Physical illness earlier this year, the next task for Kvitova will be how mentally strong she will be over the next couple of months on the tour. A continuation of poor form could spoil her entire year. The Czech now finds herself in a race against time to establish herself as one of the biggest threats on the tour this year. A daunting prospect facing a player, who is just six weeks into the tennis season.
