It’s Czech only for the women’s final of the Sydney International, after two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova breezed through to the decider to take on compatriot Karolina Pliskova.
Looking as fit as she has on the tour, Kvitova sounded out an Australian Open warning with a 7-5 6-1 victory over Tsvetana Pironkova, ending the Bulgarian’s incredible winning streak at Sydney Olympic Park on 14.
Pironkova had come through qualifying to win the tournament in 2014 and again had to qualify for the main draw this year, making it all the way to the semi-final.
But that would be as far as she went, the world No.4 bouncing back from a first set break to claim the match.
With world No.22 Pliskova a 6-3 6-2 winner in her semi-final over Angelique Kerber it’s an all-Czech affair, something that probably shouldn’t surprise given the eastern European tennis powerhouse has eight women in the top 80.
Kvitova said there was no reason why she couldn’t have a breakthrough in another grand slam in 2015 and is relishing being fitter and getting in as much lead-up play as possible before the Australian Open.
“I think from the beginning of the year for me it is just better to play the matches,” she said.
“Even when we were playing the final on Friday we still have two days off or just light practise before the grand slam starts.
“Too much practise for me is a little bit boring as well. I prefer to play matches.”
And play she did. Ripping her cross-court forehands with aplomb and making like difficult for Pironkova with her tricky left-handed serve.
Kvitova will be full of confidence against her countrywoman for other reasons too – she’s won her last 14 encounters against compatriots.
Pliskova, 22, a former Australian Open junior winner, said she was finally relaxing a bit more on court – something her Fed Cup teammate Kvitova picked up on as well.
“I’m getting older so, maybe yes. I have more experience now against those (top) players so I’m not that scared,” Pliskova said.
“I’m not saying I was scared, but it’s just different to play them now after four or five times.”
The brutal schedule finally caught up with Kerber.
It had been a tough few days for the German fifth seed and world No.9 who had to endure three three-set matches, including a WTA record late finish at 3.10am on Wednesday after rain delays disrupted the schedule.
The night owl found the day match less to her liking on Ken Rosewall Arena and departed in 55 minutes.
The last time there was an all-Czech final on the women’s tour was 2009 in Hobart.
