Reigning Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova returns to the scene of her second Grand Slam triumph recharged and ready to deal with the mounting pressure.
The Czech stormed to the title last summer, sweeping aside Eugenie Bouchard with consummate ease during a ruthless display.
Fast forward 12 months and Kvitova hopes to shrug off illness to attempt to defend the prestigious title. “For sure, it's really nice to be back. I really missed it all year. I'm really glad that I can be able to play here again,” said the 25-year-old. “I'm getting better. Unfortunately I was sick in Eastbourne. Every day is better. So I hope on Tuesday will be good form. Of course, the preparation, because I got sick, wasn't perfect. But I'm trying to find a good form.”
Having first won Wimbledon in 2011, Kvitova has since admitted that she struggled to cope with the expectations and pressure associated with a defending champion but feels better equipped now to perform in the spotlight.
The pressure, the nerves are going to be there for sure. The match will be very tough and nervous
The best thing about being defending champ is knowing when I have to do everything :) #wimbledon #presswithpetra
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) June 28, 2015“I think that everything which came with winning Wimbledon, it was really difficult to handle it. For me, before I didn't really have this kind of expectation. For me was really a difficult time. Finally I know how I should deal with it.
“I have these experiences from before. The pressure, the nerves are going to be there for sure. I mean, it doesn't matter whether I was sick or not. Still, when I go to step on the court on Tuesday it will be the same feelings. The match will be very tough and nervous.
“It's going to be nice. My parents are coming as well. They get an invitation. It's nice to have them here. It's going to be special again. I'm really looking forward to step on court. The feelings, the nice memories will be better than the nerves there.”
The world No.2 cited exhaustion to take a break from the game in March but now feels rejuvenated and back to form. “I feel much better than before. I'm really happy to be back on the court to play tennis, to really do what I love and that’s important,” she added.
“I recharged some batteries, I am really glad I am able to compete. I think it was really tough decision for me to miss the two big tournaments during March but I'm happy that I did it.”
The 25-year-old is aware players are now more “relaxed” facing her and is wary of her opening opponent Kiki Berterns, the world No.108. “I haven't played her before. I hope that my coach for sure will find some good points,” said Kvitova.
“I know that she's kind of player who she likes to play aggressive serve, really aggressive game from the baseline. That's I think how she going to play. That's going to be tough to be ready for each point, be ready for the service game and return game. We'll see.”
