WIMBLEDON GAME, SET & MATCH
Seles is the hero for Petra Big-game hunter Murray so relaxed HALEP’S GOT HAPPY FEAT
TWO-TIME winner Petra Kvitova hailed Monica Seles as an inspiration after meeting her for the first time on Thursday.
Kvitova, like Seles (below) during her playing days, has had to rebuild her career following a knife attack.
But in the 19 months since it happened she has won six tournaments – five this year – and arrives at Wimbledon as one of the favourites.
Kvitova said: “When the time came that I could play tennis again, of course, Monica was one of the inspirations I had.
“We both came through very tough times to play tennis again.
“It was just great to meet her, just great to see someone who came through a similar situation to me.”
Kvitova’s love-in with SW19 will continue when she takes on Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Tuesday, although she admits she hasn’t always been in thrall to England.
She said: “When I was younger and came to England, I couldn’t really understand what English people were saying.
“It’s kind of a different accent but over the years I got it. And maybe the rain can be a little bit less, but overall I really like England.” WHAT a difference a Grand Slam title makes. Simona Halep, the newly-crowned champion of the French Open, is a changed woman.
The world No.1, top seed at Wimbledon, has not stopped smiling since she beat Sloane Stephens in Paris three weeks ago.
Now as she prepares to face Kurumi Nara from Japan, on Tuesday, she does not have a care in the world. The memories of losing in three previous Grand Slam finals have finally faded away.
She said: “Inside of myself it’s a change because I’m really happy that I was able to break that barrier.
“The pressure is off. The dream came true. So I don’t stress myself any more with that Grand Slam thing. It’s nice to be in this position. I was dreaming for this. I did it.”
Now, though, she has to start all over again – not that she minds.
A quarter-finalist for the past two years and a semi-finalist in 2014, she knows how to play on grass even if it is not her best surface.
Halep’s coach, Darren Cahill, gave her a 10-day break after the French Open and she only got to London eight days ago to start practicing again – but she is ready for another crack at a major title.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to start it. I smile a lot.
“I feel happy. I’m happy to be back on court.” CAROLINE WOZNIACKI warmed up in style for Wimbledon as she claimed her second Eastbourne title.
The world No.2 defeated Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6 (7-5).
The 27-year-old Dane, who also won at Eastbourne in 2009, said: “It’s a long time ago that I was a winner of this tournament so it’s amazing I can still play 10 years later.”
Sabalenka, from Belarus, served for both sets and led 4-1 in the tie-break but could not take her chances.
Australian Open champion Wozniacki, who has never made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon, faces American Varvara Lepchenko in round one on Monday. In the men’s event, Germany’s