Petra Kvitova: When I was younger I played like I had nothing to lose, this is more mentally exhausting

Petra Kvitova shared her thoughts on how her mental approach to tennis has evolved since her debut on the WTA Tour in 2006.

Petra Kvitova reached her maiden Miami Open final after defeating Sorana Cirstea in straight sets in the semifinals of the 2023 edition. Kvitova saved two set points in the opening set before winning 10 consecutive points to secure the first set 7-5. The Czech gained an early break of serve in the second set which allowed her to win, 7-5, 6-4.

During her post-match press-conference, Petra Kvitova reflected on reaching a WTA 1000 final 12 years after her first final at such an event. She stated that while winning at the age of 33 was more exhausting, it also brought more happiness after a win.

Kvitova further revealed that she now pays more attention to keeping herself motivated and focused during matches, unlike when she was younger.

"But during the match, it's not easy, right? I think when I was younger, I didn't think that much as I'm doing now when, you know, trying to keep myself motivated and play well and have a good serve and point by point," she said.

The former World No. 2 reflected on how playing tennis as she grew older was more mentally exhausting, given that she used to play with nothing to lose when she was younger.

"When I think I was younger I have kind of nothing to lose and I was just smashing from all the sides, and sometimes it was going in. So I think this is mentally a little bit more exhausting," she added.

Petra Kvitova grateful for support from Czech fans at Miami Open 2023

Kvitova at the 2023 Miami Open

Petra Kvitova expressed her gratitude for the passionate support from Czech fans at the 2023 Miami Open.

"I think that not many Czechs are in the crowds overall, but I saw the flag. I heard Czech language over the play, and it's very nice and they were really screaming today, especially after the match, which is always nice," she said.

The 33-year-old added that she was looking forward to similar support from them during the final.

"Yeah, I'm happy to see them, and I'm looking for tomorrow to see them again," she added.

Petra Kvitova will now take on Elena Rybakina in the Miami Open final. The pair have split the results of their two previous meetings on the WTA Tour, with Kvitova winning their most recent encounter in Adelaide in straight sets.