Czech Petra Kvitova started off the new season on a high note as she reached the semi-finals at Aussie Open, advanced into the third-round at Indian Wells and then finished in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. She also reached the quarterfinals at Olympics. She won her eighth WTA title two weeks before at Montreal after defying the strong challenge of Li in three sets – in the title match. Last week at Cincinnati Open, she reached the semis and would like to notch up few wins more before U.S Open.

Her opponent is 19 year old American Nicole Gibbs, who is a new comer on the tour. She won both the singles and the doubles titles at the NCAAs this year and has 13-4 win loss record this year.

This will be the first meeting between the two players.