Kvitova Defeats Kirilenko for New Haven Open Title
August 25, 2012 | By Eric C. Peck
World number five-ranked Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic captured the 2012 New Haven Open title on Saturday after her 7-6(9), 7-5 win over world number 14, Maria Kirilenko of Russia. Kvitova now heads south down the I-95 to Flushing Meadows, N.Y. when action begins Monday at the 2012 U.S. Open. Kvitova will play her first round match on Monday against world number 63-ranked Polona Hercog of Slovenia.
Kirilenko, who qualified for the New Haven Open finals after Caroline Wozniacki was forced to retire on Friday, head to this week’s U.S. Open seeded 14th and will play her first round match on Tuesday against world number 42-ranked Chanelle Scheepers also of Russia. Lifetime in four matches to date, Kirilenko and Scheepers are deadlocked at two wins apiece.
Kvitova, even before the win in the finals at New Haven, had already clinched the Emirates Airline U.S. Open Series on Thursday.
It’s unbelievable—I played three tournaments in a row and won two," Kvitova said. "I’ve played a lot of matches and I’m feeling more relaxed and confident on the court. I hope all of this will continue into the U.S. Open next week. I think I will be back next year. It’s my second time here. I enjoyed it this year much more than two years ago, because I lost first round and didn’t really have time to enjoy New Haven. But with a great tournament director it’s amazing. It’s very calm. It’s five minutes from the hotel to the tournament, so it’s pretty easy for the players. You can go downtown for good dinners. It’s just great."
Eric C. Peck
Editor-in-Chief, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Eric C. Peck is Editor-in-Chief of Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by e-mail at eric@litennismag.com
