Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova regrouped just in time to beat tough opponent Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the Wimbledon 2013 Championships.
Kvitova, the 2011 champion at the All England Club, had a 6-3, 2-0 lead before her opponent surged and won the next eight games to take the second set and lead 2-0 in the third. That’s where the Czech composed herslef and played a better game to seal the victory when the game was resumed on Saturday. The game was halted with Makarova leading 2-1 in the third.
“I knew it would be quite difficult to play Makarova on grass,” Kvitova said.
“I lost against her the last time we played on grass at Eastbourne. I know she really likes the surface. And I didn’t play a second round match – it was quite tricky to not play for three days. So I’m very happy to win,” she added.
Kvitova is the only former champion in the draw remaining aside from top-ranked Serena Williams.
“In 2011, of course I played really well,” Kvitova said. “I mean, I played my best, for sure. Every shot was going into the court. It’s not the same this year – I have some good things in my game that make it really seem like 2011, but I’ve dropped a little bit. This year it’s always a little bit up and down.
“But moving forward I hope it will be more up than down.”
Kvitova will next face 19th-seeded Carla Suárez Navarro of Spain on Monday’s fourth round match.
