Petra Kvitova and Johanna Konta will take Centre Court on Wednesday following the conclusion of Radwanska-Bouchard. Kvitova and Konta join the list of thrilling day three matches at the Aegon International in Eastbourne, Great Britain. It will be a hard-hitting, big-serving battle between two players extremely comfortable on the quick, low-bouncing grass courts.

Road to the third round

Kvitova entered the second round before even stepping on the court this week. As the five seed, she was given an opening round bye, but she was quickly faced with a tricky challenge in the second round. The two-time Wimbledon champion took on the feisty Hungarian, Timea Babos, to kick off her tournament campaign. The Czech needed an hour 47 minutes to send Babos packing with a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory. With that win, Kvitova clinched her eighth career win in Eastbourne.

Konta earned the luxury of a first round bye, as well. The British number one began her tennis this week against Lesia Tsurenko on Tuesday. The 11th seed was on court one minute longer than her third round opponent. The world number 18 sealed her first win over the Ukrainian, 7-6(4), 6-1. Konta booked herself a spot in the third round, but she will need to go further as she made it to the quarterfinals in Eastbourne 12 months ago.

Kvitova in WTA Eastbourne action. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Kvitova in WTA Eastbourne action. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Previous encounter between the pair

Kvitova and Konta have had one previous meeting which came at last year’s US Open. The fourth round match saw the Czech lefty advance with a 7-5, 6-3 scoreline. But their match on Wednesday will be played on a completely different surface which asks of different tactical plays, shot selection, and footwork.

Konta sets up for a forehand against Tsurenko. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Konta sets up for a forehand against Tsurenko. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
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Analysis

The Czech and the Brit both possess powerful shots that penetrate the court with depth. Kvitova and Konta also feel comfortable moving forwards, but their approach shots must be effective as they either can angle or place a weak ball past their opposition at the net. Their serves will play a major role in the outcome of the third round matchup.

Kvitova must control her nerves while serving and trust her out-wide lefty serves to open up the court. Lastly, they must pounce on any second serves that come their way as whoever gets the first strike in a rally is likely to come out on top. Whoever can force their opponent to play defense could easily see themselves in the final eight in Eastbourne considering both players rely primarily on their offense to get them through matches.

Kvitova in Aegon INternational action. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Kvitova in Aegon International action. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Final thoughts

Kvitova looked impressive and clutch in her opening match win over Babos. The pure power and intensity from the 2011 finalist should overcome the always-dangerous Konta. Konta may have the home crowd’s love and support, but Kvitova has the grass-court mindset which makes her the favorite in almost every match she plays on the slick, green surface.

Prediction: Kvitova in straight sets

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About the author
Brooks Giardina
Brooks Giardina is a 15-year-old who has a major tennis addiction. When he is not on the tennis court, he is paying his attention to the ATP and WTA tours as an active fan and writer.