Wimbledon 2023: Petra Kvitova says win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich was ‘hell’ after insect swarm

Petra Kvitova spoke about the “hell” of being plagued by insects in her Wimbledon second-round win over Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

The Czech made light work of Sasnovich with a straight-sets 6-2 6-2 victory on Friday, but the conditions were anything but comfortable for the World No. 9.

Kvitova complained to the umpire about the sheer number of flies on court, with both players clearly distracted by their presence.

“It didn’t physically feel like it was extra hot. Rather, something else bothered me,” she told iSport.cz.

“There were an awful lot of flies everywhere from the beginning. It was hell. The referee told me that once a year there are flies everywhere and this is the day.

“I even sprayed myself with repellent so they wouldn’t come at me. It was a big surprise that I have probably never experienced here before.

“Some looked like flying ants and some like flies. There was something on the grass and something in the air.”

Despite the comprehensive nature of the win, Kvitova admitted her struggles playing on Court 2 at the All England Club, and was left frustrated by her serve.

“I think it’s the slowest court in the complex,” she added.

“I don’t have the best memories of it, but I also won there several times. That’s what I try to overcome, but it’s not always easy. I didn’t play very good tennis, nor was my serve very good, but I still managed to win. I have to take positive things from it.”

The two-time Wimbledon champion also highlighted her need to be mentally tougher as the tournament progresses, and more ruthless on the court.

“Yes, today I lost a lot, even though I’m quite emotionally tired now.

“Even though I was leading, I was still restless. In several games I lost a 40-0 lead, I fought with my opponent and myself. I have to change this, get more involved.”

Kvitova is in action against Serbia’s Natalija Kostic on Saturday for a place in the fourth round.

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