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Petra Kvitova keen to regain crown

The Czech second seed was crowned the Dubai champion back in 2013 when she came through a see-saw final against Italy’s Sara Errani 6-2, 1-6, 6-1.

Dubai — Petra Kvitova is confident of taking out the tournament title for the second time in three years here despite conceding her form is pretty hit and miss in the emirate.

The Czech second seed was crowned the Dubai champion back in 2013 when she came through a see-saw final against Italy’s Sara Errani 6-2, 1-6, 6-1.

That victory has so far proven a rare highlight for Kvitova though as her three other appearances have all resulted in early exits, including last year’s shock 6-1, 4-6, 6-7 (4) defeat to Carla Suarez Navarro, of Spain, as the then-defending champion.

“That’s how it is with me; it’s not surprising,” the 24-year-old replied when asked if she found her somewhat erratic record in Dubai strange.

“It’s good to know that this year can only be better than 2014, so we’ll see. I’m glad to be back for sure.

“I have nice memories from two years ago, so I’m looking for the tournament title again. I have to say though it’s a very tough draw.”

Kvitova is undeniably capable of producing some sublime tennis, with her formidable groundstrokes — particularly of the forehand wing — resulting in two Wimbledon triumphs (in 2011 and 2014) to date.

However, when that particular shot goes astray, it adversely affects her whole demeanour and game — something that needs to change in future.

“How it is me is that I have great highs, so that’s good,” explained Kvitova, who is scheduled to meet either Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina or CoCo Vandeweghe, of the USA, in the second round.

“The lows are very low as well of course. I’m probably a player that plays a very aggressive and risky game.

“It’s not at the same level every time, but I’m working on developing a more consistent level of form. I’m trying and — of course – it’s not going to happen every time.”

It didn’t quite happen for Kvitova at the Australian Open last month, when she lost in straight sets to American prodigy Madison Keys 6-4, 7-5, although it’s clear she has taken the positives away from that demoralising experience.

“The beginning of this year has been better than the last one and that’s always nice,” she added.

“I’ve already won a tournament (the APIA International Sydney). It has given me a bit of confidence, so that’s great.

“Of course, I expected more from myself in Melbourne, but that’s tennis, that’s how it is and maybe it’s good that I still need to work very hard and I have a lot of motivation for the future.”