Last Updated on May 24, 2023
The realm of professional tennis has witnessed the rise and triumph of numerous athletes, each with a unique narrative of determination, struggle, and victory. Among these narratives, the tale of Petra Kvitova stands out for its resilience and awe-inspiring journey. Born on 8 March 1990 in Bilovec, Silesia, in former Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Kvitová’s connection to tennis began in her childhood, deeply embedded in her family’s love for the sport. As a child, she watched her brothers and father, a former schoolteacher, immerse themselves in the game, sparking her initial fascination and eventual passion for tennis.
Kvitová turned her passion into a career at the tender age of 16, embarking on a journey that would see her ascend to the pinnacle of women’s tennis. Over the years, her powerful left-handed groundstrokes and her strategic versatility on court have led her to amass 30 career singles titles, including two major titles at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014. Representing the Czech Republic at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Kvitová secured a bronze medal in singles, cementing her place as a national treasure.
In 2016, her career and life took an unexpected and tragic turn. A robbery at her home led to a severe hand injury that threatened to end her blossoming career prematurely. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Kvitová demonstrated an indomitable spirit, resilience, and fierce determination. She made an inspiring recovery, returning to training mere months after the incident, and re-established her standing in the world of tennis.
Kvitová’s illustrious career and awe-inspiring comeback owe much to her intrinsic talent and perseverance. However, the critical role of her coaches in shaping her career cannot be overlooked. Their invaluable guidance, strategic inputs, and unwavering faith in her abilities have not only helped her hone her skills but also played a significant role in bolstering her mental fortitude.
Who Is Petra Kvitova Current Coach?
Jiri Vanek
Petra Kvitová’s current coach is the seasoned tennis professional, Jiří Vaněk. Born on 24 April 1978, Vaněk hails from Domazlice, Czech Republic. With a successful tennis career under his belt, including a career-high ATP Singles Ranking of 74 and 11 Challenger-level titles, Vaněk seamlessly transitioned to coaching post-retirement.
Their collaboration began in November 2016 and has been a game-changer for Kvitová. Reflecting on her partnership with Vaněk, Kvitová once said, “With Jiří, I feel a great balance of freedom and structure. He understands my game and knows when to push me and when to give me space.” Their understanding was evident when Kvitová triumphed at the 2018 Madrid Open, becoming the first player to win the title thrice.
Vaněk’s coaching philosophy focuses on Kvitová embracing her strengths. In a WTA tour interview, he said, “My role is to ensure Petra focuses on herself, her game, and not get weighed down by external opinions or pressures.”
Petra Kvitova had a strong start to the 2023 tennis season at the United Cup with Jiri Vanek’s support. She won two consecutive matches against Jessica Pegula and Laura Siegemund, showcasing her elite level of play. She continued her success in Adelaide, reaching her 100th career quarterfinal but was ultimately defeated by Daria Kasatkina. However, her performance in Indian Wells marked a positive shift as she reached the round of 16, defeating notable players like Jeļena Ostapenko and Jessica Pegula. Although she was defeated in the quarterfinals by Maria Sakkari, she showed promise for the rest of the season.
In the Miami Open, Kvitova demonstrated her skill and determination by defeating top competitors such as Donna Vekić and Varvara Gracheva. She reached her first semifinal appearance at the Miami Open, securing her spot by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Sorana Cirstea. Kvitova went on to win the tournament, defeating Elena Rybakina in the final and earning her 30th career title. This victory propelled her back into the top 10 rankings for the first time since September 2021, solidifying her comeback in the tennis world.
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Petra Kvitova Past Coaches
Frantisek Cermak
František Čermák, a former professional tennis player from the Czech Republic, known for his prowess in doubles, briefly coached Kvitová from April to September 2016. During their stint, Kvitová commented, “František brought a unique doubles perspective to my game, which was refreshing.” However, their tenure was short-lived, ending after her loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open.
David Kotyza
David Kotyza, a prominent figure in Kvitová’s career, began their collaboration in November 2008. Under Kotyza’s guidance, Kvitová secured her position in the world’s top ten in May 2011. Recalling those years, Kvitová said, “David has been an integral part of my career, guiding me through the ups and downs of the game.”
Kotyza also spoke highly of Kvitová. “Petra has always been a determined player. She has the courage to confront her weaknesses and turn them into strengths,” he said during a 2012 interview. Their successful partnership ended in January 2016 after seven years, marking the end of one of the most successful player-coach relationships in women’s tennis.
Each of these coaches has played pivotal roles in Kvitová’s journey. Their diverse perspectives and strategies have helped Kvitová navigate her career’s highs and lows, shaping her into the remarkable player she is today.
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Petra Kvitova’s achievements with different coaches
We have collected in the table the data about the trophies won by Petra Kvitova under the guidance of various coaches.
Coaches | Years of Cooperation | Titles |
Jiří Vaněk | 2016 – ongoing | 2023 – Miami; 2022 – Eastbourne; 2021 – Doha; 2019 – Sydney, Stuttgart; 2018 – St. Petersburg, Doha, Prague, Madrid, Birmingham; 2017 – Birmingham |
František Čermák | 2016 – 2016 | – |
David Kotyza | 2008–2016 | 2016 – Wuhan, Zhuhai; 2015 – Sydney, Madrid, New Haven; 2014 – Wimbledon, New Haven, Wuhan; 2013 – Dubai, Tokyo [Pan Pacific]; 2012 – Montréal, New Haven; 2011 – Brisbane, Paris [Indoors], Madrid, Wimbledon, Linz, WTA Finals; 2009 – Hobart |