Petra Kvitova says making it to the final of the Australian Open is already a huge achievement after she defeated Danielle Collins to set up a clash with Naomi Osaka (Kvitova 8/11 to win final).
The Czech star feared her career could be over after she suffered a serious hand injury when being stabbed during a robbery at her home back in 2016.
However the 28-year-old has battled back well and has been rewarded with a place in the Melbourne final following her 7-6 (7-2) 6-0 win over unseeded American Collins.
Speaking after the win, Kvitova spoke of her delight at making her first Grand Slam final since the stabbing, and will now be looking to add the Australian Open to her two Wimbledon titles.
“This means everything, that’s why I work really hard – to be in a final at a Grand Slam,” she said. “Finally, I made it deep into a major. Whatever happens in the final I am very happy.”
Kvitova will meet Osaka in the final and could have to raise her game as the Japan star hammered home an impressive 56 winners in her 6-2 4-6 6-4 win over Karolina Pliskova.
The reigning US Open champion is priced at 6/5 with Betfred to win the final and make it back-to-back Grand Slam success, and was pleased with the way she responded after losing the second set.
“I kind of expected it a little because I’ve played her so many times and she has beaten me more than I’ve beaten her. I told myself to regroup and I managed to win,” she said.
“It’s just experience playing matches like this. I was so scared serving second serves, I was like ‘oh, my god, please’ and somehow I made it so I guess that’s experience.”
Odds subject to change
