Petra Kvitova promises to "fight like hell" against Elena Rybakina in Miami Open final
Petra Kvitova booked her place in the 2023 Miami Open final with a 7-5, 6-4 win over Sorana Cirstea in the semifinals.
Kvitova put in a fine performance to defeat the giant-killing Romanian and reach the final of the WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career.
The 33-year-old will next take on the in-form Elena Rybakina in the final, which will be the third meeting between the two. Their head-to-head is currently tied at 1-1, with Kvitova coming out on top in their most recent meeting at the Adelaide International 2 this January.
Petra Kvitova spoke about the impending clash during her on-court interview after the semifinals, admitting that the Kazakh was the favorite due to her current form. At the same time, the Czech also declared that she was ready for the final and that she would "fight like hell" against the reigning Indian Wells champion, just as she did in every other match.
"Yeah we played two times, it's 1-1, so we going to decide it tomorrow. But definitely she is the favorite, she is playing amazing tennis, winning in Indian Wells, being in the final here. What I can say is that I am just ready for the final, I am going to leave everything there and I am going to fight like hell as every other day," Kvitova said.
"We played two times, it's 1-1... we are going to decide it tomorrow."
@Petra_Kvitova is ready for her showdown with Elena Rybakina! 🏆
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"The time I came here, I was a little bit better, and I felt good on the court"- Petra Kvitova
Petra Kvitova reached the Miami Open final in her 13th appearance at the tournament, having never made it past the quarterfinals in her previous 12 appearances.
The Czech was asked how things went differently for her this time around in her post-match press conference. She replied by saying that she felt good by the time she arrived in Miami because of her run to the quarterfinals in Indian Wells earlier in the month. Kvitova also felt that the conditions in Miami suited her and her serve in particular.
"Well, I think I already played quite well in Indian Wells. Losing in the quarterfinals hurt, tough match against Maria. It was really tough, hurting quite long," Kvitova said.
"The time I came here, I was a little bit better, and I felt good on the court. Of course it's different a little bit, but the balls were flying as well, which I think I like more. The court is a little bit faster, as well. I think all the conditions were like just there. I think definitely my serve, it's important for me whole tournament," she added.
If Kvitova comes out on top on Saturday, she will win her ninth WTA 1000 title, while Rybakina will become the 12th player to win the Sunshine Double if she prevails.