By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday April 28, 2021
Three-time—2011, 2015, 2018—Madrid Open champion Petra Kvitova recalls a memorable title run at the Magic Box ten years ago, and says it was a turning point for the Czech in that it gave her the belief that she can compete with the best players in the world on any surface.
In 2011, Kvitova entered the Madrid Open draw with 10-13 lifetime record in main draw matches on clay. Six triumphs later she was crowned as tournament champion after a run that saw her claim three Top 10 victories, all in straight sets.
Kvitova, ranked 18 at the time, would enter the Top 10 for the first time the following week. She says the title run, which included victories over World No.3 Vera Zvonareva, World No. 6 Li Na and World No.5 Victoria Azarenka, helped change her belief in what was possible for her on clay.
“To be honest, I think it's meant for kind of turning around in my head for the clay a little bit,” she said on Tuesday in her pre-tournament press conferencde at Madrid. “Even this is the attitude which helping me a little bit.”
Most don't think about the Czech's clay prowess, as grass springs to mind when we think of her cominance. But Kvitova has gone on to become a force on clay over the last decade. The Czech has won 82 and lost 30 on the clay since the start of 2011.
More than giving her confidence on the clay, that first Madrid title was the one that propelled her to an elite level on all surfaces. She would claim her first Wimbledon title a few months later, and finish the season by winning the WTA Finals in Istanbul.
“Overall it was my first tournament when I really, like, realized I can play well on the clay, as well,” she said. “I think it was 2011 when was my season I won Wimby and WTA Finals. Of course, I won some tournaments even before, but Madrid was the biggest I won that year.
“I think it really showed me that I can play well not even on the clay but I can beat the best players in the world. I think it really gave me a lot experiences as well and confidence at times. Yeah, that's how I feel it.”
Kvitova, who remains the youngest champion in tournament history, will face Marie Bouzkova in her first-round match at Madrid.