Petra Kvitova’s the 2022 Rothesay International champion. The Czech, a former world no. 2 defeated the 2021 champion Jelena Ostapenko in the final on Saturday, 6-3, 6-2 in an hour and 17 minutes. Seeded 14th in the draw, the southpaw won 80% of her first-serve points to her eighth-seeded opponent’s 70%.
Kvitova also won 52% of her second-serve points to Ostapenko’s 34%. Kvitova saved all five break points she faced while converting three break points on the Latvian’s serve. Kvitova had three fewer winners than Ostapenko — 18 to the latter’s 21 and had six fewer unforced errors than Ostapenko’s 18.
Rothesay International: Petra Kvitova’s Wimbledon aspirations
After her win, speaking to the press, Kvitova said, “I’m very delighted, of course, after a special final. I know that Jelena is playing well here on grass, the defending champion, so I was really prepared for that fast, aggressive game which she really played.
It was a good match from both of us, I think”. The Rothesay International crown is Petra Kvitova’s 29th career title. It’s also the first time she’s won the tournament that’s held in Eastbourne. Earlier, almost 11 years ago, in 2011, Kvitova had reached the final in Eastbourne going on to lose it, against Marion Bartoli.
Later that year, Kvitova went on to win the first of her two Wimbledon titles. Speaking about the Championships, Kvitova added, “(Wimbledon) is a different tournament, a different week. In tennis, it’s very tricky; you just have to forget what was, and just be focusing on what is next.
I do have a day off tomorrow, luckily, so I hope I can enjoy it a little bit tonight (on Saturday)”. Photo Credit: Petra Kvitova Twitter
