Defending Champ Petra Kvitova More Confident Ahead of US Open
Defending New Haven Open Petra Kvitova is headed to a fourth straight WTA quarterfinals appearance if she beats American Alison Riske this afternoon on Stadium Court. The press caught up with her on Monday about her chances at a repeat.
On New Haven: I feel like its more relaxed here. It’s a pretty familiar tournament for me.
On her game: “I still have spaces to improve.”
The 2011 Wimbledon champion is feeling good about her chances at the US Open, having made the quarters of the last three tournaments she entered and having won it all here in New Haven last year. Even so, the humidity challenges her.
“I’m pretty satisfied. After grass, for me, its always tough. I never like playing in America because of my asthma, but the last year I played quite well. It was a good year, so I know I can play well here. It gave me confidence to be like OK, I’m going to America and I can play good.”
“The asthma was a big problem, but with the medication, it’s better. I have an inhaler that I can use during the matches. It’s more about the humid. Humid is the worst for me.”
She not resting on her New Haven laurels, knowing that competition lurks around every corner.
“It’s nice to be defending champion, but every week is different. It’s a chance for everyone, so I’m not thinking like this.”
—Steve Fogleman
Tennis Atlantic 