Petra Kvitova seeks second Dubai title after a thrilling January run
The start of the new season wasn't quite perfect for Petra Kvitova, losing in two tight sets against Anett Kontaveit in Brisbane before going all the way in Sydney, coming from a set down to edge Ashleigh Barty and lift the trophy. The 28-year-old Czech saved the best for the Australian Open, though, winning six matches in straight matches and just falling short in the title match against Naomi Osaka, missing a chance to become the world no. 1 and claim her third Grand Slam crown after winning Wimbledon twice. At the end of 2016, a man with a knife attacked Petra in her apartment in Prostejov and she suffered severe left-hand injuries, missing the first half of 2017 season and starting from the beginning to gain the confidence and get back to where she belongs.
Right after Melbourne, Petra traveled to St. Petersburg where she lost to Donna Vekic in the quarter-final and she will take some well-deserved rest before returning to action in Dubai, competing against the stellar field of players and seeking the title six years after winning the first. Petra could face Naomi Osaka in the final again although they will have to beat the rivals like Caroline Wozniacki, Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Pliskova. The organizers can't wait to see Petra in the draw again, skipping Dubai Duty Free in 2017 and 2018 and losing three out of four matches after that title she won in 2013.
"Petra Kvitova's climb back to the very top of the game is remarkable," said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. "Her success in doing so is merely a reflection of the fighting spirit and determination that she has shown throughout her career. There is no question that she is once again a serious challenger for the title here and we wish her every success."
Tournament Director Salah Tahlak added, "Petra Kvitova is loved and respected by tennis fans around the world, not only because she is a great champion but because she has always competed fairly and is open and friendly with her fans. That justifiably resulted in her receiving the WTA's Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award for the sixth successive year, an honor that is granted to a player who conducts herself in a manner fitting of a professional sports figure who observes the rules of fair play, shows respect for others and is gracious on and off the court."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2t1u4jK
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