Kvitova Defeats Errani for Dubai Title

February 25, 2013 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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Petra Kvitova won her 10th singles title on Saturday after defeating Sara Errani 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 in the finals of the Dubai Championships. Kvitova was the favorite after winning her previous three meetings with Errani. Kvitova, who did not drop a set in beating 2012 champion Agnieszka Radwanska and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in earlier rounds, suffered a wobble as two double faults helped Errani to narrow the deficit to 4-2, but the left-hander broke again to seal the set.

"It was very tough, up and down … she can catch a lot of balls and get them back. I tried to stay focused and calm in the last set," said Kvitova.

Despite the win, Kvitova was cautious about the significance of her victory since the world’s two best players, number one-ranked Serena Williams and number two-ranked Victoria Azarenka, were forced out of the event due to injury. Kvitova ended 2011 as world number two after claiming six titles including Wimbledon that year, but she has failed to make it beyond the quarterfinals in the past three Grand Slams and has slipped down to seventh place in the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings.

"I’m glad how I’m playing right now—that’s the important thing for me," Kvitova said. "I’m not thinking this is a turning point or a turning tournament for me. Yes, it was a lot of great players here and it was hard to beat them, but I’m still just thinking about my game. That’s the priority for me."


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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