On the opening day of the 2023 US Open, No. 11 seed Petra Kvitova secured a victory over Cristina Bucsa with a score of 6-1, 7-6(5).
Although Kvitova built a substantial lead of 6-1, 5-2, the match became more competitive as it progressed.
Kvitova quickly gained the upper hand in the match, breaking Bucsa's serve due to the Spaniard's early unforced errors.
With her powerful and precise groundstrokes, Kvitova raced to a 3-0 lead.
Although Kvitova had a brief lapse, allowing Bucsa to win one game in the first set, she didn't concede any further games, ultimately taking the set 6-1.
In the second set, Kvitova once again started strongly, winning the first three games in under 20 minutes.
Bucsa managed to hold her serve and narrow the score to 3-1.
Kvitova continued to hold her own serve, making it 4-1, but Bucsa fought back impressively.
She broke Kvitova's serve while holding her own, eventually forcing a tiebreak with a score of 6-6.
The tiebreak in the second set appeared to be evenly matched, with both players protecting their serves and delivering strong returns.
Kvitova gained confidence with a beautifully executed winner on an approach shot, taking a 5-4 lead in the tiebreak.
Her powerful play led to errors from Bucsa, allowing Kvitova to secure the match and advance to the second round.
Kvitova's next opponent in the tournament will be Caroline Wozniacki, another former Grand Slam champion, renewing a rivalry that spans over a decade.
Kvitova's best previous results at the US Open were quarterfinal finishes in 2015 and 2017.
To reach the semifinals this year, she may potentially have to face the current world No. 1, Iga Swiatek, who is known as the reigning "Queen of Queens."
Notably, this marks Kvitova's 16th appearance at Flushing Meadows, with only Venus Williams (24) and Alizé Cornet (17) having played more US Opens than her.
Kvitova has reached at least the second round in all but two of her previous appearances at the tournament.