Kvitova set for ‘tough’ Dubai tourney

dubai — David Mercer brought a smile to Petra Kvitova’s face at the draw for the women’s week of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships when the wellknown British tennis commentator reminded the Czech about the epic Australian Open final she played against Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka last month.

The 28-year-old Kvitova may have lost that dramatic threesetter (6-7 7-5 4-6) to the 21-year-old Osaka in Melbourne, but her return to top form after overcoming a horrific attack by knife-wielding robbers warmed tennis fans’ hearts.

“That was a fantastic final. You and Naomi put the men’s final in the shade,” Mercer said referring to the lopsided Australian Open men’s singles final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

It was the kind of compliment that would have made any women’s star nod her head with a smile. So did Kvitova, but she admitted that she needed to be ready for the dangers lurking in the Dubai championships this week as nine of the world’s top 10 players would be fighting for the coveted title.

“It’s a big tournament. Every tournament is difficult. And this one is unbelievable. We have so many great players playing here. Of course, it’s always tough to win a tournament,” the two-time Wimbledon champion said.

Kvitova, who gets a first round bye, has fond memories of Dubai, having won the title here in 2013.

“I missed Dubai last year. So I am happy to be back. You always have the best memories when you win a title,” said the world number two whose first title of the year came in Sydney last month.