The 2nd round of the Australian Open 2021 was filled with nothing but good tennis. At the Margaret Arena Court, two 30-year-olds, Petra Kvitova and Sorana Cirstea, fought hard for a spot in the 3rd round of the Happy Slam.

However, after a series of stunning performances, it was the Belgian who stunned the 9th seed Kvitova, defeating her 6-4,1-6, and 6-1.

Before this match, both the players had sealed a straight-set win in the opening match. The Czech professional Petra Kvitova defeated Belgium’s Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-4. For the Romanian Sorana Cirstea, an easy win came against compatriot Patricia Maria Tig 6-2, 6-1.

Quality test in the first set between Kvitova and Cirstea

The 2-time Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova, had been a favourite coming into this match. And she continued with her strong form, breaking Cirstea’s first serve.

Despite getting the first 2 games right, the Czech professional lost her lead. Meanwhile, the Belgian World No.68 recovered her loss and took the lead in the match.

After rounds of rallies, the pair found themselves 5-4 in favor of Sorana. Following that, Petra served a double fault on the setpoint and lost the first set 6-4.

Petra Kvitova makes a quick comeback

Instead of letting the pressure of being 1 set down mount, the 2019 Australian Open finalist remained in control, sealing a 0-4 lead in the 2nd set.

Hitting with accuracy and power, the former World No.2 made her opponent a stranger to the court. However, the Belgian professional was able to contribute to the 5th game before losing the set.

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Thus, leveling the sets at 6-4, 1-6, Kvitova dragged the match to the decider set.

Kvitova v Cirstea: The thrilling final set for the Belgian

Giving a perfect start to the last set, Cirstea got a double break and a 3-0 lead over Kvitova. In contrary to the Belgian’s energy, the 9th seed of the Happy Slam looked tired.

The court was staged for yet another big upset in the 2nd round at the Australian Open 2021. After the 8th seed Bianca Andreescu, the thunderstorm Petra Kvitova also crashed out of the major tournament. Not to mention, the World No.9 fought hard to save the match point, but it was all for naught.

Hats-off to the commitment of the Romanian, who stayed in the game with top-level energy throughout. It was not easy to play at that level in the daytime heat of Australia.

Cirstea will move on to play in the 3rd round of the Happy Slam. How far will the Belgian go at the first Grand Slam of the year?

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