Dual Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is the next name on giant killing American qualifier Jennifer Brady’s hit-list at the Brisbane International.
Not that world No.7 Kvitova of the Czech Republic had to be reminded ahead of their quarter-final on Friday.
Brady, 23, appeared to come from the clouds to oust five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova in the first round then back up to upset top seed Ashleigh Barty on Thursday.
But fifth seed Kvitova said she was well aware of the world No.53 and was wary of becoming her latest big name scalp in Brisbane.
In their only career meeting to date, Kvitova had to dig deep to overcome Brady in a tough three setter in Dubai last year.
“Hopefully I’m not next. I will do my best to not be next,” Kvitova said.
“But yeah, of course I know her.
“Definitely I think she improved (since Dubai). For me, she feels more confident on the court as well.
“She has a great serve. It will be great match for sure and I have to play my best and we’ll see.”
But Kvitova – the 2011 Brisbane champion – is quietly confident of emerging victorious after booking a quarter-final berth by taking out another giant killing qualifier on Thursday.
The 29-year-old cruised to a 6-3 6-2 victory over Russian Liudmila Samsonova who had upset former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the opening round.
“I don’t think I will need anything to do differently than today (against Brady),” Kvitova said.
“I just need to serve well … play my game, which I think will be paying off tomorrow.”
Brisbane International organisers will be hoping the rest of the tournament goes to script after Brady ensured world No.1 Barty became the latest high profile name to fall in the season opening tournament.
French Open champion Barty now joins Sharapova, Stephens, fourth seed Elina Svitolina, Australia’s Samantha Stosur and three-time grand slam champ Angelique Kerber on the Brisbane sidelines after an eventful start.
But defending Brisbane champion Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic believed Barty was still on track ahead of the Australian Open.
“You can’t really judge the first week because of course Brady she came from qualies so she had a couple of matches already and she beat Maria (Sharapova) 7-6 in the third which always gives some extra confidence winning these matches,” world No.2 Pliskova said.
“For Ash, it’s just been her first match, she’s going to be fine, she’s going to find her game, I’m sure.”
In other quarter-finals on Friday, Pliskova takes on American Alison Riske, defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka lines up against world No.9 Kiki Bertens and eighth seed Madison Keys faces Danielle Collins in an all-American battle.
