Defending women's champion Petra Kvitova crashes out of Wimbledon
Jelena Jankovic of Serbia stages a superb fightback to claim a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 third-round victory
Petra Kvitova’s reign as Wimbledon women’s champion came to a shock end on Saturday as Jelena Jankovic of Serbia staged a superb fightback to claim a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 third-round victory.
Kvitova’s exit marks the first time since 2009 that the two-time Wimbledon winner has failed to make at least the quarter-finals at the All England Club.
I’m overwhelmed. I’m so excited. My heart is still pumping. I cannot believe this just happened but this is what this sport is all about
Jankovic looked down and out when she trailed by a set and was 4-2 down in the second against the Czech world No 2.
But the Serbian 28th seed mounted a gutsy recovery and will play former Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska for a place in the quarter-finals.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’m so excited. My heart is still pumping,” Jankovic said.
“I cannot believe this just happened but this is what this sport is all about.