Kvitova seeking consistency in New York

Kvitova seeking consistency in New York

NEW YORK - Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is getting a handle on New York City, now if she could just get to grips with her game.

Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic reacts after defeating Cagla Buyukakcay of Turkey during their 2016 US Open Women's Singles match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on August 31, 2016

The Czech star, who has endured a litany of illnesses and injuries this season, admits she never knows what to expect when she steps on the court these days.

"Every match it's difficult and really tough to see what I'm going to be," said Kvitova, who is keeping expectations low at the US Open despite reaching the third round with two straight-sets victories.

"If I can make the second week, I would be very happy."

Kvitova is without a title since winning at New Haven in August of 2015, a victory that was followed by a quarter-final appearance in the US Open.

But since finishing last year at sixth in the world, she has fallen to 16th and suffered a second-round exit on her beloved grass at Wimbledon.

She battled to a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, then pulled out of the WTA event in Cincinnati with a right leg injury.

She reached the semi-finals in New Haven last week despite battling a cold that she said she first picked up in Brazil.

Kvitova, the 14th seed, next faces Ukrainian Elina Svitolina -- who ended Serena Williams' bid for singles gold in Rio.

The Czech said she wished she had a better idea of what she might produce against the 22nd seed.

"I'm the kind of person who is always stressing about how I'm going to play," she said. "Every time you step back on the court something can happen. Especially to me."

Amid the uncertainties surrounding her play, however, Kvitova is managing to enjoy the hectic pace of New York.

This year she's opting not to travel from Manhattan to Flushing Meadows on non-match days, putting in a little fitness training and shopping instead.

"That's my new tradition," she said. "Some coffees, some shopping. That's really time I'm enjoying. I'm starting to love New York."

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