Petra Kvitova sets sights on SW19 crown

Petra Kvitova believes she can win Wimbledon this year but won’t be putting too much pressure on herself.

The 29-year-old Czech star landed the titles at the All England Club in 2011 and 2014 but hasn’t progressed beyond the third round since she fell at the first hurdle last year. The sixth seed will take on Magda Linette on Saturday as she bids to reach the fourth round, and Kvitova hopes she can go all the way at SW19 this year.

Kvitova is 1.14 to beat Linette and 1.44 to win 2-0. “The first time I won it in 2011 I don’t think I even realised what was happening,” she told reporters.

“It was a bit like a dream. I wasn’t prepared. The second time around in 2014, I knew how much it takes to win a Grand Slam and how difficult it is, so I got more satisfaction from that win because I proved to myself that I could do it again.”

“Having won here twice before, it’s always the place on the calendar that I look forward to most because it brings back all those memories. But last year was a really tough one and I put too much pressure on myself. I also wanted it too much.

“I want to stay healthy, which is not easy, I want to play with freedom and of course I love to win the big titles, that’s what keeps me playing.” Kvitova is 9.50 to win Wimbledon outright.