Top

Petkovic: I don’t know what to expect


 

Originally published on: 01/05/13 00:00

The German ended 2011 as world No.10 after an impressive season, but slipped back down the rankings after a catalogue of injury problems – first a knee injury, then a back problem, only to suffer heartache when she injured her ankle on her comeback in Stuttgart last April.

Currently ranked at No.138 in the world rankings, Petkovic fell in the opening round to Ana Ivanovic at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix last week, but is seeing signs of improvement in her game.

“I did well in the first two games [against Ivanovic] but then I got overexcited and was hitting too hard and just making too many unforced errors,” Petkovic admitted. “I just need to be consistent again. I'm not as consistent as I was when I was in the Top 10, but with so many months not playing, it's all just a part of the process.

"I've played some good matches since I've come back, but then also some catastrophic matches. I don't know what to expect when I come on the court sometimes. I just need to keep playing matches."

Compatriot Sabine Lisicki, who also struggled with injuries last season, sympathises with Petkovic but is confident the 25-year-old will soon be back to her best.

“I know how hard it is to come back after you have an injury,” Lisicki said. “It's really hard for other people to imagine how hard it is. You lose your match rhythm and your confidence.

“And especially with Andrea, who has had a number of injuries recently. But I think she just needs a little bit more time to get all of that back. I don't think it will be too long before she's back at the top of the game again."

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.