Share

Kvitova downs Safarova for New Haven title

New Haven - Second-seeded defending champion Petra Kvitova clinched her third WTA Tour Connecticut Open crown here on Saturday with a 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Czech compatriot Lucie Safarova.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova extended her unbeaten record over fourth seed Safarova to seven matches, a winning streak that began with her first victory over her fellow left-hander at New Haven in 2012.

Safarova showed signs she might just break Kvitova's dominance over her on Saturday after making a bright start in sweltering conditions as the two players prepared for next week's US Open.

A gruelling first set turned into a battle of nerves, with neither player yielding an inch to force a tie-break.

Kvitova saved two set points at 6/4 down in the tie-break but Safarova roared back to win the next four points to take the first set.

However Safarova's previously impregnable service game deserted her in the second set, Kvitova setting up her first break point of the match with a sumptuous forehand down the line.

Kvitova duly converted the break point to go 2-1 up and then held to move to 3-1.

A further break gave her a 4-1 lead which she never looked like relinquishing, the remaining games going with serve as she levelled the match at one set apiece.

Safarova was soon in trouble again in the deciding set, conceding another break to slip to 2-1 down as a confident Kvitova kept her on the rack with some crisp groundstrokes.

Safarova's shaky serve let her down again in the seventh game, Kvitova clinching another break to take a 5-2 lead, before holding serve for the match.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE