Saturday 23 February 2013

WTA Dubai: Petra is back, Kvitova edges Errani in three set finale

Petra Kvitova
I was quite certain that Saturday's Dubai final between Petra Kvitova and Sara Errani would be a complete walkover for Petra, but once again, I underestimated Errani who won her first ever set against Kvitova in four matches.  Kvitova romped through the opening set, 6-2.  She won the first seven points of the match and looked extremely sharp, destroying most of Errani's second serves.  Out of nowhere though, Errani went on a rampage of her own in the second set, winning six games in a row to take the set, 6-1.  Errani completely changed her gameplan and started to charge the net, which took Kvitova by surprise and she began to panic a little with her shots.

Errani had break points on Kvitova's first two service games in the decider, but the Czech player showed great determination to fend off those break points.  Kvitova started to adapt to Errani's serve and volleying and broke the Italian at 2-1.  The rest was history and Kvitova wrapped up a 6-2 1-6 6-1 victory.  Kvitova has completely resurrected her year over the past two weeks although I am still unsure of whether she will challenge in Indian Wells and Miami because of the humidity.  I gained a little more respect for Errani, which had been lost after having to watch the monstrosity of her first round match with Julia Goerges.  

In Marseille, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made the final with easy semi-final wins and they could play against each other once more in the Dubai quarter-finals.  Next week the men are in Dubai, Delray Beach and Acapulco.  I will be uploading my previews tomorrow and since I am away from my computer, will be posting my full predictions on Monday evening.  After next week's tournaments, we will be gearing up for the first Premier Mandatory events in Indian Wells and Miami so busy times ahead...

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