A perfect ending for Nadia Petrova – Tennis Special
Former world number three, Nadia Petrova from Russia, enjoyed a successful season this year. Spicing it further, she conquered the Qatar Airways Tournament of Champions in Sofia after stunning top seeded Caroline Wozniacki and climbed to number 12 at the
WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Premier Rankings.
The Russian star recreated her 2006 magic at the Armeets Arena and entered the semis without losing in round robin matches. She entered this tournament after capturing two titles this season. Petrova claimed her first year-to-date crown at the UNICEF Open
in s-Hertogenbosch where she crippled her entire opponents in straight sets. She dumped the Polish qualifier, Urszula Radwanska, in straight sets in the title-round. Her second title came at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Japan. The Russian stunned sixth seeded
Sara Errani, the former US Open champion Samantha Stosur and the Polish number one Agnieszka Radwanska before claiming the title.
Seeded second in this indoor hard court event, Petrova made a thunderous entry in her opening round robin match against the Chinese star, Jie Zheng. She lost her serve four times but cashed seven out of 15 break chances to formulate a 6-3, 6-3 success.
In the second round robin battle, Petrova bounced from a set down to outclass third seeded Maria Kirilenko in 168 minutes. She dropped her serve four times but availed five out of eight break chances to steal the show.
Regardless of qualifying for semis, Petrova maintained her intensity in her final round robin match against the local wild card entrant, Tsvetana Pironkova. She rallied past the Bulgarian number one and set up a date with fourth seeded Roberta Vinci.
The 30-year-old made an epic comeback to outshine the Italian star in three sets and secured a place in the final showdown where Caroline Wozniacki awaited.
Petrova unleashed flurry of winners against the former world number one and eventually pulled out the victory with a breadstick in 88 minutes.
The Russian veteran beamed after conquering Wozniacki and the tournament:
"After my match against Vinci last night I didn't think I'd have enough time to recover, but I did all the right things and woke up feeling good. I had some long matches before this, so I had to keep this one to two sets. I didn't really have so much left
in my tank, so I had to play smart and keep the points short. Caroline's a great mover and so consistent, so I mixed it up and kept her guessing so that she didn't know what was coming from my side. This is a great accomplishment and a great way to finish
the season."
The veteran is currently enjoyed a well deserved holiday and is looking forward to carry her rhythm in the upcoming season.
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