Kvitova, Muguruza to fight for Falcon Trophy

Doha: Petra Kvitova delighted fans with yet another powerful shot-making display to end qualifier Jessica Pegula’s historic run at the Qatar Total Open on a day when injured Victoria Azarenka pulled out from the second semi-final.      

Fourth seeded Kvitova defeated Pegula 6-4, 6-4 in an absorbing battle to reach her third final in Doha in four years, setting up a title clash with Garbiñe Muguruza, who entered the final without playing a shot. 

The Spaniard advanced after No.8 seed Azarenka, who played the quarter-final through pain on Thursday, yesterday pulled out due to a back injury.        

Although, the finalists were not decided in an ideal manner, yet Kvitova and Muguruza – both having clinched majors twice – are expected to conclude the $565,530 tournament in a thrilling fashion at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. 

Today’s clash for the golden Falcon Trophy will be a rematch of the 2018 final when Kvitova defeated Muguruza to clinch her maiden title. 

Both the Grand Slam winners – seeking an end to their title droughts – have started the season well with Muguruza set to feature in her second final this year after losing to Australia’s Ashleigh Barty at the Yarra Valley Classic last month. She is eyeing her first title since Monterrey 2019.  

In her first final since losing to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s title-clash at the same venue, Kvitova is aiming for her first title since her Stuttgart triumph in 2019. 

The World No.10, who is 4-1 up against Muguruza in head-to-head between the two – has been supreme form in Doha, and yesterday she showcased another outstanding display against ‘giant-killer’ Pegula in the first semi-final, producing 78 minutes of exciting action.     

Two-time Wimbledon champion, Kvitova wowed fans with her powerful shots against Pegula, who became the first qualifier in tournament’s history to reach the semi-finals after winning six matches in as many days. 

Kvitova hit 26 winners and though her unforced errors were equal in numbers, it gave the Czech six breaks of her opponent’s serve off of her 11 break points under the lights.    

After Pegula bounced back to 4-4 in the first set, Kvitova hit more powerful shots to take a 1-0 lead and then fought back in the second set from 0-3 down to stay in course for her 29th career WTA singles and second title in Doha. 

“It’s final, so I love finals. Doesn’t matter how it will end up. But just being in the final of the tournament is already great,” Kvitova told reporters yesterday.  

“I will really enjoy it. I am really enjoying the whole week here in Doha. I had great three matches against three great players, which, you know, always give you the confidence. So that’s what I’m really pleased with,” she said before predicting a tough final against Muguruza.  

“We played a final here 2018 which was roller coaster. I know she’s really in great form. She’s playing really well.”

Muguruza eyes trophy

Muguruza, yesterday, said after playing tough matches earlier in the tournament, a day off – due to Azarenka’s withdrawal – ahead of the final will be good for her. 

“It’s not the classic way to reach the final, but I’m in the final, so it’s a good sign that I’m in this position. Just wishing her (Azarenka) a quick recovery. I saw yesterday that she might be struggling. I hope she recovers,” the Spaniard said yesterday. 

“I think it’s good for my body after a few good matches to have a day off and just try to prepare for the last match. I’ll take that as a positive thing and just start thinking about tomorrow’s match.” 

On final she said: “I think it’s going to be a tough match. We played here in another final three years ago, so just looking forward for playing that match and hopefully getting the trophy.” 

Meanwhile, Azarenka, who took treatment twice due to a back pain during her quarter-final win over top seed Elina Svitolina on Thursday, said persisting pain kept her away from the semi-final.  

“Unfortunately, the pain in my back that I experienced during yesterday’s match has not gone away enough in order for me to be able to compete tonight. I have loved being back here in Doha this week, and want to thank the tournament and everyone involved with the organisation of this great event for hosting us and making it possible to play during these challenging times,” Azarenka said in a statement.

“I am very appreciative of being awarded a wildcard to compete here this week, and I am looking forward to being back in Doha again next year. Lastly, wishing all the remaining players in the draw the best of luck for the remainder of the tournament,” she added.