Cibulkova Is Playing Smarter, But According To Her, Not Smart Enough

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th July 2013

Cibulkova Is Playing Smarter, But According To Her, Not Smart Enough

epa02967569 Dominica Cibulkova (SVK) reacts after winning the semifinal against Lucie Safarova (CZE) at the WTA tournament in Linz, Austria, on Saturday, 15 October 2011. EPA/RUBRA |

Dominica Cibulkova is a member of the 1989 generation, which has had a more than fair amount of success on tour. Victoria Azarenka, Aga Radwanska and Petra Kvitova have all cracked the top 5 and two of them have won Slams. Another member of her generation, Sabine Lisicki, just reached the Wimbledon final. Caroline Wozniacki is just a year younger than they are but they competed against in her in the juniors, and she reached No. 1. But Cibulkova has only reached one final four – at 2009 Roland Garros and has yet to even crack the top 10.

But after her three set defeat of No. 4 Radwanska in the final of the Bank of the West – her third career title – the No. 21 had reason for hope, if she can stay focused and not panic.

“I believe I can reach the top 10, but every time I get close I feel so much pressure and I feel these expectations, which is sometimes too much,” said Cibulkova, who was 0-4 against Radwanska entering the match. “Maybe when I get enough experience, and it could be this year, or next year.”

Cibulkova is very quick and a hard, aggressive hitter who is capable of terrorizing her opponents’ weak serves. But in the past, when she hasn’t caught fire, she could grow extremely erratic and play herself out of matches.

Against Radwanska, whom many believe is the most creative player in the game, she actually hit more successful drop shots than her foe, using the Pole’s favorite play against her.

“I was ready for her drop shots, but I don’t think she was ready that I would make her run so much for my drop shots,” she said.

Among other positive qualities that the chatty Cibulkova has is that she is honest enough to point out her own real weakness. In Palo Alto, not only did she match brains with Radwanska, but also out-thought another member of her generation, Sorana Cirstea in the semis.

But by no means does she think she’s a Rhodes scholar on court.

“I wouldn’t say a much smarter player,” she said.

The key for Cibulkova, who is attempting to defend her Southern California Open title this week, is consistency and staying healthy. She tends to overplay, but if she can arrive in New York in a good head space and with fresh legs, she has chance to reach the second week again and maybe do some real damage.

“I wish I could I could play my tennis this every week and stay so consistent,” Cibulkova said. “I will try to keep this up until this US Open but you play five to six tournaments and so many matches so it’s really hard.”