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It’s down to the biggest match at the 2015 WTA Finals – the final between former champion Petra Kvitova and first-time finalist Agnieszka Radwanska. Who has the edge? We take a look:
(4) Petra Kvitova v (5) Agnieszka Radwanska
Head-To-Head: Kvitova leads Radwanska 6-2
There will be a first time WTA Finals winner since 2003 with a 1-2 record in round robin. That is surprising and is something that has gone against the script. Garbine Muguruza and Maria Sharapova had looked lethal, going unbeaten in the group stages and handing out defeats with consummate ease. Whereas, it was Radwanska and Kvitova, who had to be at other’s mercy for a spot in the semis.
But on Sunday, here they are, fighting for one of the biggest prizes on the WTA Tour. That is simply the beauty and the advantage of having a round robin format. It gives the players a much-needed breather to refocus and find their mojo.
That is exactly what Kvitova and Radwanska did this week. After starting with a dismal performance against fellow lefty Angelique Kerber, 2011 winner Kvitova slowly found her groove back. She ground out a tough straight-set win over her compatriot Lucie Safarova and then fought a laborious match with Garbine Muguruza over three sets.
Having managed to scrape through to the semis thanks to Safarova’s beating of Kerber, the Czech came out inspired against Maria Sharapova who had looked impressive all week. It was surprisingly Sharapova who faltered and Kvitova calmly utilized her opportunities to carve out a straight-set victory.
The scenario is totally similar for Radwanska who just about snuck into the semis after two defeats (against Sharapova and Pennetta) and a superb win over top seed Simona Halep. The Pole had looked fatigued against Pennetta but found the right amount of motivation that helped sail her through against Halep in her very next match.
Once through to the semis, it was all heart and grit for the World No. 6, who had been on the receiving end of the Muguruza onslaught four times this year. For large parts of the semi-final match too, she looked in danger as she failed to keep up the leads but managed to dig deep for her maiden appearance in the final.
It’s just one match between the trophy and each of these players now. It is a very familiar situation for either of these players as they are now meeting at the WTA Finals for the fifth year in a row, having split the first four meetings 2-2.
Game-wise, it is Kvitova who should have the edge. When Petra’s brutally aggressive game does the talking, she is one of the most feared competitors in the tennis world. Plus, she has even beaten Radwanska this year en route to the New Haven title.
But knowing Kvitova, who is streaky and is still recovering from mononucleosis, it might not be that easy even for the Czech as Radwanska is a thorough expert at absorbing power and breaking the rhythm of her opponents. Her finesse, low shots, speed and movement would come in handy against the Czech who would prefer shorter points.
Both these players had major struggles of their own this season. While Kvitova dealt with health problems, Radwanska struggled for the better part of the year to get back her winning touch. Winning the 2015 WTA Finals would be the perfect way to redeem the season and end on a high.
It’s just a question of who wants it more!
Pick: Kvitova in three sets
