Defending champion Petra Kvitova admits her preparation could have been better but she’s hoping a return to the stage of her greatest successes will give her mixed season some momentum.
Kvitova claimed her first Wimbledon title in 2011 and admitted it took time to get used to her sudden elevation, with the sudden pressures of expectation that came with it.
This time around she’s vowed to learn those lessons and perhaps take inspiration from Stan Wawrinka, who despite some rocky previous results, defied the odds to win the recent French Open at Roland Garros.
There is no doubt that the Czech player has the perfect game for grass but a first round defeat in Eastbourne last week underlines that frailties remain.
“I was sick in Eastbourne and I missed some practice but I’m getting better every day and I’m trying to find good form,” she said, ahead of her first round match with Kiki Bertens on Tuesday.
“The pressure is there as the defending champion and it’s tough and I’ll be nervous. First time around, everything which came with winning Wimbledon, it was really difficult to handle it.
“I’d never really had that kind of expectation and I didn’t know what I should expect from that. It was really a difficult time but I know how to deal with it now.
“Of my two titles, last year was more special for me. It was really great journey through the tournament. The holding the trophy once again was great. I’m hoping the feelings, the nice memories, will be better than the nerves.”
Kvitova took two months off earlier this year to recharge her batteries and beat favourite Serena Williams in their last encounter in Madrid. Williams – a potential final opponent – is looking for a sixth All England Club title to stay on course for a Grand Slam season after wins in Melbourne and Paris.
“I think a lot of athletes want to have a break but they don’t do it,” added Kvitova.
“It was a tough decision for me to miss the two big tournaments during March but I’m glad that I did. I just felt exhausted and tired from everything and I really needed to recharge my batteries.
“I feel much better than before and I’m really happy to be back on the court to play tennis, to really do what I love.”
