20-year old Czech, Petra Kvitova, earned her stripes in 2010, her first season in the top 40. The long and lean left-hander used her array of spin and power ground strokes to reach the semifinals twice.  She lost to Maria Sharapova, the eventual winner at Memphis, and to Serena Williams, another eventual winner at Wimbledon.

It was her quarterfinal win at Wimbledon that stole the hearts of the fanatical Brits.  Playing the experienced Kaia Kanepi, the Czech fought off five match points in registering a surprising 4-6, 7-6 (8), 8-6 triumph.  Petra faced 3 match points in the second set tiebreaker and 2 match points at 5-6 in the third.  Her courageous play earned accolades from the appreciative fans.

Petra is coached by David Kotyza and fitness coach Jozef Ivanko and trains at the home courts of Tomas Berdych and Lucie Safarova.  Petra learned to play with her father, Jiri, a schoolteacher.

Her favorite city is Melbourne and big things are expected of her this season.  Her short-term goal is to break into the top 30.  At number 34, she doe not have far to go.

Petra’s 2010 record was 25-24.  Her career won-lost record is 141-81.  Petra suffered tonsillitis and a left ankle injury last season.  If she stays healthy, her career is ready to skyrocket.

Petra Kvitova’s biggest achievement till date is winning the women’s singles final at the Brisbane International tennis tournament January 8, 2011 where she defeated Germany’s Andrea Petkovic.

Country	Czech Republic
Birth Date	March 8, 1990
Residence	Fulnek, Czech Republic
Height	6’0”
Weight	154 lbs.
Year Turned Pro	2006
Current Rank – Singles	34
Current Rank – Doubles	336
Career Prize Earnings	$1,166,930
Year-To- Date – Earnings	$647,508
Grand Slam (Singles)	4th Round French Open 2010
Australian Open	0
French Open	0
Wimbledon	0
U.S. Open	0
Grand Slam Doubles	0