Kvitova, Bencic and Collins through to the quarter-finals

Posted in: 11/01/2023 – 12:04

Adelaide (Australia) (AFP) – Czech Petra Kvitova reached the quarter-finals of the second edition of the Australian tennis tournament Adelaide, following her opponent withdrew on Wednesday, and was joined by Swiss Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and American Daniel Collins.

Kvitova, the twice Wimbledon champion, saved three balls to settle the first set before snatching it 7-6 (8-6), once morest China’s Cheng Kenwen, who withdrew with an injury to her left thigh.

It was the fourth victory in four matches this year for the 32-year-old, who is preparing to participate next week in the Australian Open, where she reached the final in 2019.

“Of course, this gives me some confidence,” said the world number 16, who will meet fifth-seeded Russian Daria Kastekina, who beat Czech Barbora Kryczekova 6-2, 7-6.

“Some things remain to be improved, of course as always, but other than that I’m happy.”

In turn, Collins, the last runner-up in the Australian Championship once morest retired Ashleigh Barty, overcame Swiss Jill Taichmann 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), to book a place for her in the quarter-finals.

But she needed seven balls to settle the match once morest the player who qualified from the qualifiers, and imposed a difficult match with the ninth seed, Russian Veronika Kudermitova.

Bencic reached the same round by defeating Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, 6-3, 6-3.

The 13th seed lost only two sets, once morest the world’s first Polish Iga Schwyntek, in her last eight matches, and she is living a good period before the first major tournament this year, “I am definitely ready.”

“I am really strong in the important matches and difficult moments, and I am confident regarding that. The more you win in those moments, the more this will help you,” continued the Tokyo Olympics gold holder.

Spanish Paula Badusa and Brazilian Beatriz Maya Haddad also qualified, at the expense of Estonian Kaya Kanepi and American Amanda Anisimova, respectively.

And the Russian Arina Sabalenka won the title of the first edition of the Adelaide (500) tournament this year, at the expense of the young Czech Linda Noskova 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) last week.

© 2023 AFP