Yarra Valley Classic 2021: Venus Williams vs Petra Kvitova Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Yarra Valley Classic 2021: Venus Williams vs Petra Kvitova Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Venus Williams

American veteran Venus Williams moved into the Round of 32 at the WTA 500 Yarra Valley Classic event as she defeated Arantxa Rus 6-1,6-3 in the Round of 64. The former world no.1 will now look forward to begin the season on a positive note. She will be facing two-time Grand Slam winner Petra Kvitova in the Round of 32.

It was a poor 2020 season for Petra Kvitova. She failed to win a title on tour. However, she reached the semi-final at Roland Garros, matching her best performance at the event. She will look to brush aside her performances of the previous season and begin on a brighter note at the Yarra Valley Classic. 

The two players haven’t had the best previous seasons to come into 2021. Both are very experienced and and have multiple slams to their name. Kvitova is well-known for her defensive style of play while Williams back in her peak would hit winners left, right and centre.

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Venus Williams vs Petra Kvitova: Head-to-Head

Petra Kvitova

Venus Williams and Petra Kvitova have played against each other seven times, with the Czech leading 4-3. The first time they played was in 2008 and Petra won the match in three sets. Surprisingly, all of their matches have gone the distance. Expect no less when two players of such high quality battle it out on court.

Their last meeting was in 2019 at Indian Wells where the American got the better of the Czech after recovering from a set and a double break down to win the match 4-6 7-5 6-4. 

Venus Williams vs Petra Kvitova: Prediction

Venus Williams

Looking at the quality of the two players, it won’t be wrong to say that the two have been under-performing for the past few seasons. The attacking game of both players, especially Williams’ will be tested because of their counterpart’s solid defence.

The WTA Yarra Valley Classic event is held in Melbourne Park, where the Australian Open is played. Both players have been a finalist at the Australian Open. It’ll be a tight contest and Williams might get the edge over Kvitova as she has better match practice and comes with a solid win.

Prediction: Williams to win in three sets.

Also Read: “I felt it” – Simon Halep says that the ‘courts are faster’ after win at WTA 500 Melbourne