Czech Petra Kvitova powered into the final of the Moorilla Hobart International, setting up a showdown with countrywoman Iveta Benesova, by beating Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano 6-4 6-2 in their semifinal tonight.
Kvitova and Benesova share coach David Kotyza, who joked he would not be able to watch Friday’s final if both his players won through.
Jokes aside, his will be a tricky job if called onto the Hobart centre court to counsel his charges – the teenager Kvitova called him twice tonight.
Benesova said after her semifinal win that she would not call on Kotyza in the final if Kvitova plays.
Kvitova, 18, played her first WTA semifinal in Hobart tonight, while Benesova, 25, won her last Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final five years ago.
Benesova dominated fast-improving Slovakian Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1 6-3 in their semifinal earlier today, setting up the tasty final clash with her Fed Cup teammate.
Benesova was a Hobart finalist in 2006, beaten by Michaella Krajicek from the Netherlands.
“I remember my last final here, it wasn’t very nice, I think I won like three games so I’m hoping things will be better tomorrow,” Benesova told reporters.
Kvitova said she would be nervous playing her “very good friend” in her first final because “we are all here as one team”.
Kvitova said she wouldn’t call on Kotyza in the final either.
“I don’t think he will be here tomorrow,” Kvitova joked.
The pair, who know each others’ game well, have never played each other at this level.
“It’s very good for Czech tennis – we have six girls in the top 100,” Kvitova said.