Petra Kvitova, seeded 13 at the US Open, went down 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-2) to Venus Williams (9) on Tuesday in an epic contest at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After second-round exits at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, Kvitova saw off third seed Garbine Muguruza in New York to reach the last eight and is delighted at the prospect of returning to her previous stellar level.
“Of course, I didn't know how my career would continue,” Kvitova said.
“I’m glad that I am still able to compete at the high level against the top players, which I hope will give me confidence for hard work again to continue.
“I’m not sure about the titles at the Grand Slams. Of course, that’s why I'm playing tennis, and that’s why I wanted to be back and playing, and it is a big motivation.
“But I’m still on the earth, and I know it’s still a lot of work to even reach a quarterfinal. I know how tough it is to get a Grand Slam title. It was pretty close but pretty far, as well.
“It’s tough to say right now, but overall, I think the comeback was amazing. I didn't really think that I could come so far. I’m just glad that I could show it here, that there is a way to play well again. So from my side, in a couple of days, I hope that I will say 'good job'. But not just now.”
Kvitova hailed her conqueror Williams, saying she cannot envisage her career enjoying the same longevity, like the 37-year-old. “I cannot imagine playing at 37, but she likes it and she has the motivation. I just want to wish her luck. She can still win many titles.”
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