The Badass Chick

In every generation there should be that one player who has what it takes to rule the world. Currently, the young guns are struggling to keep consistent at top level, as Wozniacki, Azarenka or Radwanska are failing to take the ultimate step towards all-time greatness. This leaves the door open to Petra Kvitova, who is rapidly establishing herself as the dominant force of her times. Moreover, as the old guard, i.e. Clijsters, Venus and Serena, are nearing the end of their professional careers, the Czech could very well be that one player who will top the women’s tennis for many years to come. Her aggressiveness is by far her most redoubtable weapon. However, compared to the likes of Safina or Ivanovic, the Czech possesses the mental strength required to shine on the biggest stages.

She proved it throughout the year and she proved it again in Istanbul. She got her 2011 campaign to a merely invincible start, lifting titles in Brisbane and Paris Indoors and reaching quarters in Melbourne. After a slur, she regrouped for the claycourt season winning Madrid Masters and making the round of 16th at Roland Garros. However, not even her remarkable results could predict what faith had prepared for the talented Kvitova. At Wimbledon, considered by many the most prestigious of the Slams, the cool-blooded Czech kept her composure and served out a straight sets final win against Maria Sharapova. Success took its toll on her, as she needed time to cope with the newly acquired status. She got over the fuzz though and when it mattered most, she delivered.
Taking part in her first Season’s Ending Championships, Petra was at her utmost best, cruising through the matches without loss to set a final showdown with red-hot Azarenka. With the odds on her side, she started full of confidence tearing her opponent’s game to pieces by quickly established a 5-0 advantage. It was the moment her shots completely deserted her, allowing Victoria a spectacular comeback to level up at 5 all. She got herself out of trouble though, bouncing right back to win the next two games and thus the first set 7-5. As in their Wimbledon encounter, the Belarusian stepped it up in the second set, taking it 6-4. The first game of the decider was the turning point of the match. Azarenka raced to a 0-40 lead, but ended up missing out all four break point chances. Petra hanged on, recovered composure and struck the vital blow. She broke right back and was unstoppable from there onwards, winning the set 6-3.
Besides the $1.75 mil jackpot and the number 2 spot, the Czech became the favourite for the Player of the Year award, a distinction she would fully deserve. She can now set her sights on the number 1 ranking, as she is trailing current leader Wozniacki by just 100 points.

Kvitova captured a great season by collecting the WTA Tour Championships with a hard fought 7-5,4-6,6-3 win over Belorussian Victoria Azarenka.

photos: GETTY IMAGES