Kvitova’s year off to an ideal start

World number 2 helps Czech Republic see off Bulgaria in Hopman Cup.

PERTH: World number two Petra Kvitova made a perfect start to 2012 as top-seed Czech Republic saw off Bulgaria 2-1 at the Hopman Cup.

Kvitova opened her campaign with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Tsvetana Pironkova. Although the 46th-ranked Bulgarian was competitive, the Wimbledon champion produced a power-packed performance to win 6-4, 6-2. The Czech then admitted there was added pressure on her heading into 2012 compared to 12 months ago when she was ranked 34th in the world.

“Every season’s different,” she said. “A year ago I was number 34. Now I’m number two and everyone’s seeing me for the first time this season. The year’s first match is always tough, but I played well.”

Kvitova’s teammate, world number seven Tomas Berdych, secured the overall tie with a hard-fought three-sets win over Grigor Dimitrov, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3. The Bulgarians earned a consolation victory by winning a marathon dead mixed-doubles rubber 2-6, 6-3, 11-9.

Serena wins on return

Elsewhere, former world number one Serena Williams made a successful return to top-flight tennis after four months off, beating South Africa’s Chanelle Scheepers 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the Brisbane International.

Former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic set up a second-round clash with Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters after she accounted for Austria’s Tamira Paszek 6-3, 6-3.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2012.