Kvitova was close to advancing to the semi-finals in Indian Wells, but finally retires after a tough battle

Petra Kvitova may have already seen herself in the semi-finals of one of the biggest events of the season in Indian Wells, USA. She had her Greek opponent, Maria Sakkariova, on the chopping block and could have ended the match in the second set. But in the end, the Greek player rejoiced after a great turn of the match.

The native of Silesia is having a very successful season so far and in every tournament where she has competed she has managed to advance at least to the second round. At the 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, the Czech player wanted to improve on her quarterfinal appearances in 2013 and 2016.

But in her way stood an unpopular opponent from Greece and world number seven Maria Sakkariova, who managed to win her match against another Czech player, Karolina Pliskova, in the last round even after controversial moments.

Both players certainly did not have an easy draw and fought physically demanding three-set matches. Kvitova had to fend off four match points from American Jessica Pegula (3rd) in the third round.

A great start for Kvitova

Kvitova entered the quarter-final match much better and converted a break point in the first game on her opponent’s serve at the first attempt. The Czech lioness repeated the same in the seventh game and led 5-2. Sakkariova then just corrected the score to the final 6-4 for Kvitova in the first set.

And the two-time Wimbledon champion managed to dominate the first game in the second set as well, and Sakkariova didn’t look good at all, moreover she looked mentally distraught.

The decisive moment of the match came in the fifth game of the second set. Kvitova got to two break points at 4-2 and in this situation she would most likely have finished the match.

Kvitova ran out of steam

However, the very tough battles with Jessica Pegula and Jelena Ostapenko probably had an effect. Kvitova did not take advantage of these break chances and lost her serve the very next time. Unfortunately, there was another hesitation and Sakkari finally turned the unfavourable score in the second set to 5-7.

In the third set, there was no break in the first game. Kvitova gradually ran out of steam, her serve didn’t work as it should have and the Greek went down 1-3.

Then the Czech player won two break points for a possible equalizer, but was unable to convert them. In the longest game of the match, she lost her serve again and Maria Sakkariová was able to enjoy the overall victory – 1-6.

In the semi-finals, the world number seven Sakkari will face the last winner of the Australian Open, Russia’s Aryna Sabalenka (2nd).

Czech tennis still has a representative at the tournament in Indian Wells. Karolína Muchová will play in the quarter-finals tonight from 19:00 when she will challenge Elena Rybakinová of Kazakhstan.

Sources