Ailing Kvitova like ‘slow animal’ in Wimbledon loss
LONDON: Ailing Petra Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon champion and the bookmakers’ favourite for the 2017 title, said she felt like a “slow animal” in her shock second round exit on Wednesday.
The Czech 11th seed lost 6- 3, 1- 6, 6-2 to America’s Madison Brengle who has made the third round for the first time.
Kvitova, who was playing in her second Grand Slam since recovering from a terrifying knife attack in her home, needed to call for medical assistance during the third set.
As well as having her blood pressure taken, the 27-year- old required an on-court examination by a doctor after complaining of breathing difficulties.
“I just couldn’t breathe, and I was feeling a bit sick, as well,” said Kvitova.
“That sometimes happens. But, yeah, unfortunately it happened at Wimbledon, which is not nice.
“But she still played what she could. She hit everything back. It was just tough for me to still have the energy to put it back and play my aggressive game.”
Kvitova feared she would never play tennis again after suffering serious injuries to her left playing hand fighting off a burglar at her Czech home in December.
She returned at Roland Garros, making the second round, before winning the Birmingham grass court title.
That success prompted many to tip her for a third Wimbledon crown to add to her 2011 and 2014 victories, especially with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova both absent.
Despite her disappointment, Kvitova said she was relieved that this stage of her comeback was over.
“I’m glad it’s over, actually. I mean, it was really tough, and I feel just really empty right now,” she explained.
That sometimes happens. But, yeah, unfortunately it happened at Wimbledon, which is not nice. Petra Kvitova, former Wimbledon champion
“I know my body, it’s not great, but mentally I’m really glad that it’s over. It was a kind of fairy tale, but on the other hand it was very tough.
“I just need to, you know, look forward and look to the future how everything will be, be focusing on the next tournaments. I wish I was playing longer here, for sure. But on the other hand, I have time to get prepared for everything what will be coming next.”
Kvitova was undone by 50 unforced errors during the match on Court Two against her 27-yearold opponent who is ranked a modest 95 in the world.
Brengle, who has the distinction of being the only player to have beaten Serena Williams in 2017, will face French 21st seed Caroline Garcis for a spot in the last 16. — AFP