Australian Open 2015: Petra Kvitova avoids another first-round exit after last year's shock
Wednesday 21 January 2015 11:59, UK
Petra Kvitova laboured to a straight sets win in her opening-round Australian Open match to erase memories of last year's shock.
The two-time Wimbledon champion defeated Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp 6-1 6-4 but was far from her free-flowing best, conceding that the ghosts of the 2014 tournament haunted her.
A year ago, Kvitova succumbed in the first round to Luksika Kumkhum in a major upset but despite making hard work of world no 138 Hogenkamp on Tuesday, she was able to advance to the second stage.
Fourth-seeded Kvitova, who has failed to advance beyond the second round at four Australian Opens, will face either Donna Vekic or Mona Barthel next.
"I didn't have nice memories from last year when I lost my first round, so I'm happy I won today," the 24-year-old said.
"I'd never played my opponent and I'm just pleased to win. It's never easy to be the favourite on the court with everyone expecting that you're going to win easily."
