Kvitova stunned at WTA Championships

Serena downs Kerber, Sharapova prevails over Errani.

ISTANBUL:

Holder Petra Kvitova was stunned at the WTA Championships with a defeat that reduced her to tears while Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova began their campaigns in top form at the end-of-season competition.

Sixth-seed Kvitova was toppled 6-3, 6-2 by Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska in a contest that saw the Czech commit a whopping 41 unforced errors to only five from her opponent.

Wimbledon and US Open champion Williams eased to a 6-4, 6-1 victory against Germany’s Angelique Kerber, while French Open champion Sharapova beat Italy’s Sara Errani 6-3 6-2.

Kvitova, so impressive winning the 2011 title, had trouble keeping the ball in court off the ground while fourth-seeded Radwanska put on a smart performance, easily moving her opponent out of position.

It was the Czech’s first loss in 25 matches on indoor hard courts dating back to October 2010.

“It was a little bit different, but the nerves were there for sure,” Kvitova told reporters. “I was nervous all the match. I felt my fingers weren’t still moving and I didn’t move on my legs. I’m disappointed in myself.”

Now the defending champion has been forced to withdraw from the WTA Championships with a viral illness, and she will now be replaced with first alternate Sam Stosur for the remaining White Group round-robin matches against Maria Sharapova and Sara Errani. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2012.