Kvitova: It will be different at Wimbledon

PETRA Kvitova insists winning Wimbledon will be a “totally different” challenge after even surprising herself by storming to Rothesay International glory in Eastbourne, writes Ed Elliott.

Kvitova, a two-time winner at SW19, blitzed the defending champion, Jelena Ostapenko, 6-3, 6-2 to win the Devonshire Park title for the first time.

The 32-year-old had arrived in East Sussex short of form before warming up for the All England Club with a string of convincing victories, culminating in a first grass-court final since 2018.

Kvitova said it was tough to compare her current shape to when she won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, but admits that anything is possible as she bids to end an eight-year wait for Grand Slam success.

“I do feel very well on the grass,” said the former world number two, pictured, who will play Italian Jasmine Paolini in the first round in south-west London.

“I moved very nicely, playing some good shots, serving well, returning well, but it will be totally different over there. It’s a new tournament, a new week, everything can happen.

“I’m just looking forward to being there, but it’s just difficult to compare (to 2011 and 2014). I know I will give everything I have and we will see what happens.”

Victory for 14th seed Kvitova brought a 29th career singles title and provides a timely confidence boost. Her maiden Wimbledon triumph came after she lost the Eastbourne final to Marion Bartoli 11 years ago.

The powerful Czech never looked in any danger of further disappointment on the south coast as she brushed aside an off-colour Ostapenko in just an hour and 17 minutes.

“I’m not thinking about it (winning Wimbledon); I was not thinking even in 2011 about it,” she said. “I’m so happy to be there (Wimbledon) again, it’s a beautiful tournament and I will enjoy it. I’m not losing (ranking) points; I’m not gaining points, so whatever.”

Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz backed himself for a strong run at SW19 after edging a nail-biting allAmerican battle with Maxime Cressy to win the men’s singles at Eastbourne.

The 24-year-old, who prevailed 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-4) in two hours and 17 minutes, is seeded 11th for the championships and begins against Lorenzo Musetti.

“I think I can go far,” he said. “I’m a huge confidence player. I feel really good about Wimbledon.”