adminLONDON. — Petra Kvitova, the defending champion, crashed out of Wimbledon on Saturday while Roger Federer and Andy Murray both needed four sets to secure their passage into the second week.
Czech second seed Kvitova, who also won the 2011 title, lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 to veteran campaigner Jelena Jankovic who goes on to play 2012 runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Kvitova’s earliest loss at the All England Club since 2009 leaves just Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Lucie Safarova as the last remaining top 10 seeds going into the second week.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m so excited. My heart is still pumping,” said the 30-year-old Jankovic on reaching the last 16 for the fifth time.
Kvitova has now bowed out of the last four Grand Slams before the quarter-finals.
“It’s not great to lose in the third round. Not to be in the second week of the favourite tournament for me is really sad,” she said.
Seven-time champion Roger Federer defeated big-serving Australian Sam Groth 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2. The 33-year-old Swiss, chasing an 18th major title, will next face Spanish 20th seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
Groth had the consolation of hitting the second fastest serve ever at the tournament — 236.9-kilometres per hour.
Murray survived a shoulder injury scare to make the last 16 with a 6-2, 6-2, 1-6, 6-1 win over Italy’s Andreas Seppi. — AFP.
Online Reporter