Yesterday Tsvetana Pironkova eliminated third seed Sara Errani from the Apia International Sydney and her next obstacle was another big one – second seed Petra Kvitova. But the Bulgarian qualifier had more power in her tank, recorded her 10th Top 10 victory and reached her first WTA final by taking out the Czech 6-4 6-3, winning six of seven games from 4-4 to 6-4 4-1.
Not only did Pironkova manage to defeat Kvitova for the first time in four tries, she also became the first qualifier to reach the final in Sydney in the tournament’s history! Pironkova’s last challenge will be another Top 10 player, fifth seed Angelique Kerber, who advanced to the final with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Madison Keys. (photo: Jimmie48)
She has really surprised me considering how weak her last year was. But it’s a pleasent one! I will be rooting for her in the final tomorrow.
I watched the match but sadly I wasn’t surprised how erratically Petra played. Her shot selections were hard to fathom as usual. You would get a glimpse of her brilliance once in a long while, but boy oh boy, she was spraying those shots in wrong places.
Not to take anything away from Tsvetana. She deserves her first win over Petra and her first ever win to the finals.
Cheers,
Ashley
Amazing week from Pironkova, who has sounded very positive in her post-match interviews. Matt Cronin also tweeted earlier that del Potro had compared the Sydney courts to grass courts, which may be another reason why Pironkova has done so well this week.
I would really like to know where to get Pironkova’s tennis outfit. I can’t find it anywhere online! She played fantastically well and deserved to win the Sydney 2014 tournament.
Malette Dahl, I’m so sorry I can’t help you with it. She used to wear Lotto, but I’m not sure this is Lotto. Maybe some other reader will step in.
I, also, am looking for her outfit…Can’t find it anywhere
Alexandra, I’m quite sure we’ll come across that information soon. 😉