NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Three-time champion Petra Kvitova will return to the Connecticut Open this summer, as she looks to build on an incredible year of success that has included four titles and a WTA-leading 30 match wins.
Kvitova lifted her third title at the WTA Premier Mandatory Mutua Madrid Open, scoring her seventh Top 10 victory this year in her semifinal win over Karolina Pliskova and ensuring her rise back up to No.8 in the WTA world rankings. This will be her eighth visit to New Haven, where she won in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
"The Connecticut Open is one of my favorite events in the summer, so it feels great to have it confirmed on my calendar," Kvitova said. "I have a special relationship with the tournament and always feel such strong support when I’m on the court there. Last year didn’t go so well, so I’m hoping to bring back my best tennis this year."
Kvitova has jumped to No. 3 on the Porsche Race to Singapore Leaderboard. The Czech star is currently riding an 11-match winning streak, including title runs in Prague and Madrid. Kvitova, who holds a 19-4 record in New Haven, has 24 WTA titles to her name. She is the first player to be confirmed for the WTA event, which will be held Aug. 17-25 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale.
"Petra has become part of the make-up of our tournament every summer," added Worcester. “She’s an absolute joy to have in our field and after the incredible start she has made in 2018, we couldn’t be more excited to announce her as our first player. She has shown such courage to get back to her best after an incredibly difficult 2017 and is playing some of the best tennis of her career. I’m sure our fans here in New Haven are looking forward to seeing her play once again.”
For more information about the 2018 Connecticut Open, including multi-session packages, weeklong box seats, sponsorship packages, hospitality and becoming a volunteer, visit www.ctopen.org or call 203-776-7331. Daily tickets for the tournament will be on sale starting the week of June 11.