Kvitova Clinches Second Straight Fed Cup Final for Czechs

By Chris Oddo

Photo Credit: Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images

(April 22, 2012)—Petra Kvitova’s 29^th consecutive win under a roof raised the roof in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

 

The world No. 3’s 6-4, 7-6(1) tie-clinching victory over Italy’s No. 1 Francesca Schiavone has sent the Czechs through to their second consecutive Fed Cup final.

 

“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Kvitova.

 

More unbelievable, perhaps, is the fact that the world No. 3 has proven herself to be virtually unbeatable on an indoor court.

 

Today, she was pushed by the always gritty Schiavone, but clutch play and blistering returns gave Kvitova the ultimate edge.

 

After losing four consecutive games to trail 4-3 in the first set, Kvitova rallied to take the final three games. It didn’t come easy, as Schiavone saved four break points in her last two service games, but the sizzling return game of Kvitova and a touch of nerves from the Italian eventually led to her downfall.

 

In the second set, Schiavone again found herself in the driver’s seat.

 

The Italian raced out to a 4-2 lead after sealing her third consecutive hold of the set with an ace.

 

But again Kvitova saved her best tennis for the business end of the set.

 

After falling down 5-3, the Czech No. 1 reeled off three games to lead 6-5, losing only 1 point in the process.

 

Schiavone battled back with a hold, but in the tiebreaker it was all Kvitova.

 

“I had a lot of chances, I think she played good in that moment, maybe better than me,” said a disappointed Schiavone. “I think we were really close, but in tennis as in other sports, it was not enough.”

 

Czech Captain Petr Pala, meanwhile, was elated. “I can’t be any prouder than this,” he said. “Three out of three against such a strong team, I’m very proud.”

 

The Czechs will get the chance to enjoy some more home cooking in November, when they meet first-time finalists Serbia in the final at home.

 

Sara Errani ensured that Italy avoided the shutout when she defeated Andrea Hlavackova in three sets in the fourth rubber.

 

The Czech doubles tandem of Hlavackova and Hradecka scored the final point when the Italian duo of Pennetta and Errani retired up 6-5 in the first set of the final match of the day.