Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova demonstrated her determination for a third title by defeating Serbian qualifier Natalija Stevanovic with a 6-3, 7-5 victory on Saturday. The Czech tennis star, a former world number two, showcased her grass court prowess as she navigated her way through a challenging match.

Although Kvitova has a strong record on grass, including two Wimbledon titles, her recent performances at the All England Club have been less consistent. Since securing her second Wimbledon triumph in 2014, she has only advanced beyond the third round once.

However, her recent success at the WTA tournament in Berlin, where she claimed the title on grass, hinted at her readiness for Wimbledon.

In her match against Stevanovic, the ninth seed traded early breaks with the Serbian qualifier. However, Kvitova managed to secure a crucial break to love in the sixth game, which ultimately proved to be the turning point. Both players faced challenges on their serves during the second set, resulting in several breaks of serve. The set remained tight, with the score locked at 4-4.

At this juncture, the match was interrupted by rain, forcing a lengthy delay. When play resumed, Kvitova showcased her resilience by winning ten consecutive points. However, she encountered difficulty in closing out the match against a determined Stevanovic. Eventually, on her fourth match point, Kvitova sealed the victory, advancing to the next round.

Expressing her affinity for playing on grass, Kvitova commented, “I love playing on grass, for sure. When my serve is working, I love it even more. I don’t think it was the case today, but somehow I found a way, which I’m very happy with.” (With inputs from AFP)

Read more: [Wimbledon: Former Champion Petra Kvitova Storms into Round of 16](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon-2023/wimbledon-former-champion-petra-kvitova-storms-into-round-of-16/articleshow/101600870.cms)