Petra Kvitova targets lighter schedule in 2019 in order to stay healthy
It was a roller coaster ride in the opening two sets, with the raising American forcing Kvitova to run for her money, winning the opening set and serving for the triumph in the second before Petra bounced back to avoid an early setback.
The Czech saved six out of nine break points and she grabbed five breaks on the other side to cross the finish line first and stay on the title course. Petra broke in the third game of the match to open a 5-3 lead, creating two set points on the return in the following game.
Collins fends them off and she broke back at 15 in the next game to level the score at 5-5 and prolong the set, setting the tie break where she trailed 6-3. It wasnt to be for Kvitova in the opener, though, wasting additional three set points and dropping the breaker 8-6 in a huge steal from Danielle who had the momentum on her side now.
The American served great in the second set and she broke in game nine to move in front, serving for one of the biggest wins of her career in the following game. Petra made one last push to break back and level the score at 5-5, winning the tie break 8-6 after being two points away from defeat.
The Czech raced into a 4-0 lead in set number three and she secured the win with another break at 5-3 to escape and kick off the season with a win. I spent probably two weeks healing myself, so I didnt go anywhere for vacation, Kvitova said. Everything was very smooth. Im here, finally, after a year Im healthy.
I had to withdraw last year, so I am already better. Its tough to schedule a tennis program, you never know how far youre going to play. But overall I would like to play less tournaments compared to last year. I do have a little bit more years under my belt, so I need to be worried about it as well.
Last season probably showed me. It showed me that probably I need a little bit more spaces between tournaments. I think this is the best tournament we can have for the beginning of the season. The heat is here, the wind is here, but we are still playing under the roof.
Its very unusual, and to be honest, Im very happy for that.
