Kiki Bertens and Petra Kvitova will clash Saturday for the biggest clay title so far in 2018.
Bertens kept her incredible run going crushing Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-2.
“I’m really happy with the way I played. I think it was maybe not great tennis, what people want to see with a lot of winners,” Bertens said.
“Caroline is a great player, so I was just trying to play as many different balls as I could. I think I did it pretty well. Yesterday in the first set, I was struggling a lot, then trying to change my game yesterday. I think that helped me today already from the beginning. I was trying to put in the heavier balls, some slices, just grinding out there, trying to keep as many balls back in the court.”
The 20th-ranked Bertens just won Charleston and has taken 11 of her last 12 matches.
Kvitova is on her on run having won her last 10 after a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over countrywoman Karolina Pliskova.
“Obviously the altitude is helping me, for sure,” Kvitova said. “The balls are a little bit flying more. But on the other hand, I think I’m feeling good on the clay. I had great matches so far on the clay. I’m pretty satisfied with the movement, as well.”
Kvitova won her only meeting with Bertens at Wimbledon in 2015 6-1, 6-0.
“She’s playing great tennis,” Kvitova said of the Dutchwoman. “She has a big serve, hitting the balls pretty fast, aggressive, same as me. I don’t know actually what I’m going to try. I’m going to probably try to play the same as I always try. It’s going to be about the serve and wait for something in the rallies. I think she’s playing in good form, obviously. It’s nice to see her in the final, actually.”
Kvitova is a 2-time Madrid champion. The unseeded Bertens is 5-1 in WTA finals.
You Might Like:
Kvitova Wins Tour-Leading 4th Title at WTA Madrid
Kvitova, Kontaveit To Collide In Stuttgart Final; Osaka Withdraws
Halep To Face Bertens For Madrid Title And No. 1 Ranking
Sharapova Succumbs To Bertens In Madrid, Pliskova Upends Halep To Win 9th Straight
Bertens Beats Halep For First Premier Mandatory Title In Madrid