"13 is probably my lucky number"- Petra Kvitova on making the semifinals of Miami Open for the first time in her long career
Former World No. 2 Petra Kvitova continued her fine form as she beat Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.
The Czech professional player reached the semifinals of the Miami Open for the first time in her career, and the 33-year-old will now take on Sorana Cirstea in the last four of the tournament. Earlier this month, Kvitova reached the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, where she lost to Greece's Maria Sakkari, despite winning the first set.
Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Petra Kvitova was interviewed by Prakash Amritraj, a former Indian-American tennis professional. In the interview, the two-time Grand Slam winner reflected on her quarterfinal win over her Russian counterpart.
"It was very difficult, I just wanted to change my clothes, Iididn't really think too much, which I think that it's good sometimes. I just came on the court, I have been a little bit calmer. I was focusing on myself. I didn't serve well in the second set, so I was trying to put in more first serves in. And it was really helping me for sure, and waited for the end of the third set, you know, waiting for a chance," Kvitova said.
The two-time Wimbledon winner further talked about her current impressive run at the Miami Open. She touched upon her quarterfinal clash with former World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty. She added that the 2023 campaign was her 13th overall appearance in the tournament.
"I don't think anything is different, actually. I just think, I am there, once I qualified against Ash (Ashleigh Barty) and lost in the third set. I had a couple of tough battles here, making it through to the semifinals for the first time. It's great, it's my 13th appearance here, I just found out, it is probably my lucky number," Petra Kvitova added.
"She is in very good form. I'm looking forward to it" - Petra Kvitova eager to lock horns with Sorana Cirstea in the semifinals of the Miami Open
Petra Kvitova dropped a set for the first time in her Miami Open campaign. The World No. 12 will take on Romania's Sorana Cirstea for a spot in the summit clash of the tournament.
In the same interview, Kvitova spoke about her upcoming match against Cirstea. She added that she was looking forward to meeting her in the semifinals.
"Yeah, it is fun that way, I practiced with Sorana before the tournament. It was a awesome practice, it will be different for sure playing a match, a semifinal, nothing easy. She beat Aryna (Sabalenka) yesterday, I saw it yesterday. She is on fire, she has also played well in the Indian Wells and she is in very good form. I'm looking forward to it, I am it's nice to play her in the semifinal," Kvitova added.
If Petra Kvitova beats Cirstea, she will be up against Elena Rybakina in the final of the Miami Open.