‘Wow, I feel old!’ – Petra Kvitova ‘proud’ of milestone final appearance
Petra Kvitova is into a 40th tour level final of her career after rallying from behind against home talent Madison Keys at the Cincinnati Open.
The Czech, 32, is into her first championship match at a WTA 1000 event since the Qatar Open in February 2020, and has a shot at her first title at that level since the 2018 Madrid Open.
Kvitova has a 29-10 record in finals over her career, including two Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014 and eight WTA 1000 trophies.
“Wow. My 40th final tomorrow,” the world number 28 tweeted after defeating Keys 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-3. “Yes, it makes me feel old, but mostly it makes me feel proud!”
Kvitova will face former world number four Carolina Garcia for the title after the Frenchwoman took down Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 4-6, 6-1.
It is also a first Cincinnati final for Kvitova, making this run particularly significant for her.
“This is very special, to be honest,” she said. “I was going to the match today, and I was telling myself that I have never been in the final here. I had many, many finals but never here. So finally it’s here. Actually, who knows how it will end tomorrow, but this is already a big step for me.”
Wow. My 40th final tomorrow. Yes, it makes me feel old, but mostly it makes me feel proud! ❤️#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/i42T6BPANx
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) August 20, 2022
Kvitova will be ranked 21st in the world should she lose to Garcia, but will be 15th in the world if she beats the world number 35 for a ninth WTA 1000 title.
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