Kvitova rallies to oust Linette, Swiatek through in Rome
Magda Linette dominated the first set against Petra Kvitova in Rome, but the Czech responded emphatically to reach the second round, joining Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova among Monday winners at the Foro Italico.
Petra Kvitova recovered from a poor start to beat Magda Linette in the first round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Monday.
Internazionali BNL d’Italia Rome: Draw | Order of Play | News
Linette took just 31 minutes to win the first set in Rome, but world number 10 Kvitova responded superbly to win 1-6 6-0 6-2.
Two-time grand slam champion Kvitova racked up 16 unforced errors in the first set, yet rallied like the great competitor she has proved to be for so long to ensure she will face Vera Zvonareva – conqueror of Christina McHale – in the second round.
The 11th seed from the Czech Republic said: “The first set I started very badly. I was missing almost everything. On the court… [the ball] was bouncing everywhere as well. A little bit windy. I just had to get used to probably everything.
“The beginning of the second set when finally I held my serve and broke her serve, I think since then it was much, much better.”
Mental steel from the No.11 seed.
@Petra_Kvitova turns things around against Linette to progress #IBI21 pic.twitter.com/5HgHBgkssR
— wta (@WTA) May 10, 2021
French Open champion Iga Swiatek advanced when Alison Riske retired at 5-4 down in the first set due to a recurrence of a left foot injury.
Swiatek, who will take on Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in the second round, made 18 unforced errors but had won four games in a row from 4-1 down when the American was unable to continue.
🇮🇹Not the way I wanted to win but round 2 it is. All the best @Riske4rewards, get well soon.
🇮🇹Nie w taki sposób chciałabym wygrywać, ale jest druga runda w Rzymie. Alison, trzymam kciuki za powrót do zdrowia. pic.twitter.com/gC99EPcw5L
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) May 10, 2021
Coco Gauff battled past Yulia Putintseva 7-5 4-6 6-4 to set up a meeting with 17th seed Maria Sakkari – who fended off qualifier Polona Hercog 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 6-2.
Amanda Anisimova will do battle with Elina Svitolina, a winner of this tournament twice, after defeating Wang Qiang 7-5 6-3. Jessica Pegula, Jennifer Brady and Petra Martic were among the other winners on day one.
