On Day 2 of the United Cup, Petra Kvitova wrote a new chapter in her history of heroics for the Czech Republic. The two-time Wimbledon champion saved seven set points in the opening set to defeat World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 7-6(6), 6-4 to give the Czech Republic their first win of the mixed-teams event in Sydney.
The win closed the Americans' lead to 2-1, with Frances Tiafoe to face Tomas Machac in the last singles match of the tie. A win for Tiafoe would seal the Group C tie for the Americans. Otherwise, the tie will be decided by mixed doubles.
"We keep fighting," Kvitova said. "I think USA is such a great team with great players in the team. We are not really favorites here, but we are fighting every match, every point. That's our team spirit."
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The 80-minute opening set was a supreme tug-o-war. Neither player saw a break point through the first eight games of the match, leading to a dramatic finish that saw a combined 13 set points come and go between the two. Pegula gamely saved six set points to hold to 5-5 and then broke Kvitova straight away to earn a chance to serve out the set.
This time it was Kvitova's turn to come back from the brink. The former World No. 2 fired winner after winner from 6-5, 40-0 down to save four set points and break Pegula for the first time, forcing a tiebreak.
Again Kvitova fell behind and again she roared back. From 5-1 down in the tiebreak, Kvitova went on to save three more set points before earning her eighth set point at 7-6 and finally converting to seal the set.
After her first-set escape, Kvitova broke Pegula twice to build a quick 3-0 lead and managed the closing stages of the set to kick off her 2023 season with a Top 5 win.
The victory avenges Kvitova's loss to Pegula in the US Open's Round of 16 last fall and extended her edge in their head-to-head to 3-1.
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