Kiki Bertens adapted to the 80% humidity in Cincinnatti better than her opponent Petra Kvitova. It was by no means pretty or her best tennis, but the 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory by Kiki Bertens was an amazing achievement in this humidity. It obviously had a vice like grip on Kvitová, but she played through the heat barrier best she could. Arguably Bertens shaded it and was the deserved winner.
Kvitová Will be Buoyed by Improved Form
This semifinal run, incorporating a victory over Serena Williams- demonstrates that the Czech’s great season is far from done. The match was played in 80% humidity and early in the third set, Kvitová seemed to be struggling with the conditions. Such is the resilience of the Czech, she did a stellar job at sticking in there. Bertens just had too much for her in the end.
Petra Kvitová Showing Improved Form After Shock Wimbledon Exit
The Czech’s performance this week, shows that she is ready to put her shock 1st round defeat to Belarussian Aliaksandra Sasnovich behind her. Kvitová goes into the final slam of the season- arguably the most deserving of the title. Kvitová is having a great season. She has had a couple of 12+ unbeaten match runs and has five titles to her name already.
All that is remaining for Kvitová to do this year is to put in a decent showing at a Slam. Her Slam performances have not lived up to her regular season form, so far. That said, the US Open 2018 is a great chance to put that right. If she can live with the heat that is.
Bertens Bidding for 2nd Title of the Season
Kiki Bertens won twice in one day to capture the Volvo Car Open earlier this year. Therefore, she shows that disruption does not put her off her stride and has thrived on it so far in Cincinnati. Critics often label Bertens a clay couter, but she is certainly showing hard-court prowess of late.
Bertens Needs to Work on Not Being Hurried on Serve
In the first set, when Kvitová was at her best – she showed up an area of focus for Bertens. The fierce determination with which Kvitová would harry the Bertens serve had an impact on the Dutch player. In the first set, Bertens first serve percentage was a mere 52% compared to her opponent’s 66%.
Bertens had a tendency to rush the service, presumably to put Kvitová off guard. It didn’t work and the result was Bertens, having secured a break of serve lead, let it slip. That said, Bertens did shore up her serve after this poor first set showing. She hit three aces on the bounce in an impressive final set.
Bertens Awaits Simona Halep in the Southern & Western Final
Halep leads the head-to-head 3-1 against Kiki Bertens, winning the last match on clay in Rome 2017. Halep defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 6-4 and should be the favorite in what will be a very entertaining final.
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