"It's just smelling like a Wimbledon": Two-time champion Kvitova finding her form on her favorite surface

Grass has been a friendly surface for Petra Kvitova during her career, and that experience is showing this week.

The 32-year-old Czech, a two-time champion at Wimbledon, had won more than one match at a tournament just twice this season before hitting the grass courts. But after a first-round loss in Birmingham, she has now reeled off seven straight wins, capturing the title at Eastbourne and reaching the third round at the All England Club.

''Playing on the grass is very special for me," Kvitova acknowledged when she won Eastbourne.

"I mean, our locker room is just beautiful. Even the smell when I'm entering gates here, it's just smelling like a Wimbledon," she told press following her second-round, 6-1, 7-6 (5) win over Ana Bogdan.

But returning to a place where she's had so much success also brings pressure.

"Every year is a big challenge for me, for sure. Dealing with the nerves and excitement in the same time is always a bit tough. Obviously I love this place. On the other hand, I know sometimes when I get really tired," she said. "Yeah, it's always two sides."

She's hoping to use the positive side when she plays Paula Badosa in the third round on Saturday. Kvitova won their only prior meeting at the 2020 Australian Open, but Badosa has surged since then, reaching No. 4 in the rankings.

But No. 26 Kvitova notes, "I think still that she likes more hard court and clay than the grass," adding "that could be my advantage a little bit" on this surface.

The winner could play 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep for a spot in the quarterfinals.