Russia’s Vera Zvonareva overcame a nightmare start in her Pan Pacific Open semi-final yesterday, recovering strongly to power past Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets.
Zvonareva, struggling with her serve, trailed 4-0 to her Czech opponent in the first set, before battling back to win a tiebreak then romping through the second set without losing a game to seal a 7-6 (7/2), 6-0 victory.
In today’s final, Zvonareva takes on Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, who defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.
Photo: EPA
The 27-year-old Zvonareva, who hit a total of seven double faults in the first set, used an array of deep returns to attack Kvitova’s backhand side as she fought back.
“I don’t even remember that I was 5-1 down in the first set. I wasn’t really thinking about it at all. I was trying to find my rhythm and I couldn’t find it in the beginning,” said Zvonareva, ranked No. 4 in the world.
The 21-year-old Kvitova, ranked sixth, squandered three set points in the first set, allowing the Russian back into the match.
After finding her rhythm, Zvonareva raced into a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak, taking the set when Kvitova hit an easy forehand volley into the net.
The Russian had to fend off five break points at the beginning of the second set, but she was never really in danger.
“I was the first who was hitting the ball harder and I was the first going for a winner. I don’t know what happened,” Kvitova said.
Radwanska closed out her match against third-ranked Azarenka on her fourth match point.
“I think it was a great match from the beginning until the end. I’m playing better and better every day,” Radwanska said.
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