By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Saturday, July 8, 2023
Petra Kvitova is one of only two former Wimbledon women’s champions still standing.
The two-time Wimbledon winner’s six career grass-court crowns are the most of any active player, yet Kvitova cautions she’s not a top contender to raise the Rosewater Dish next Saturday.
Kvitova subdued tricky Serbian slice artist Natalija Stevanovic 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the seventh time.
The No. 9-seeded Kvitova will face either 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu or 2022 Wimbledon finalist Obs Jabeur next as she plays for her first SW19 quarterfinal since she dismissed Genie Bouchard to capture the 2014 Wimbledon championship.
Still, the Czech left-hander downplayed her status as a contender pointing to the women’s Big 3 of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka and reigning champion Elena Rybakina as the favorites.
“I don’t see myself as this [favorite],” Kvitova told the media today. “I think all the big names are still going through and playing deep in the tournament. I don’t really care about the favorites anymore.
“I’m happy to be in the second week, as you mentioned, first time after 2014. This is already a big achievement for me.”
“Hi, it’s Petra Kvitova here, and she is ready for some press” 🎙️
You’re a natural at it @Petra_Kvitova 😅#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/xl5BAU5WBx
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2023
When her slice serve is clicking, Kvitova can drag opponents wide on the ad side. Today, she five aces against seven double faults and said she must sharpen the serve to continue her Wimbledon run.
“I think I would love to improve little bit the serve, for sure,” Kvitova said. “I mean, it didn’t work that much today. It was difficult today to kind of ace.
“I think she returning pretty well. It was always dangerous. That’s what I think it would be nice if I improve.”
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
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