BIRMINGHAM, England – Jelena Ostapenko defeated Petra Kvitova for the second time this season after prevailing in a topsy-turvy second-round encounter at the Aegon Classic Birmingham.

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Two years ago, Ostapenko was crowned Wimbledon junior champion and this affinity with grass was clear to see as she defused Kvitova, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

“Since juniors, I think I did well on grass. It’s my first time here, but I really like it here,” Ostapenko said. “I think grass is my favorite surface, so I’m looking forward to two more tournaments. I think I can do well on grass because I have good serve and good backhand and forehand, so for grass, I think it’s good.”

There was little in the way of break opportunities until the seventh game, when Ostapenko fended off the first threat. The next game she was presented with a chance of her own when the No.5 seed sent a forehand long. She converted with a stroke of good fortune, her backhand return crashing into the tape before dropping onto Kvitova’s side of the net.

Kvitova responded by moving 3-0 ahead in the second set, only to be halted first by her opponent, who broke back in the fifth game, and then the rain. On the resumption it appeared that Ostapenko’s moment had passed, Kvitova wrapping up the set then breaking to love at the start of the decider.

Earlier this year, Ostapenko fought back to defeat Kvitova en route to the Doha final, and she showed similar gumption to repeat the feat. A couple of pin-point returns helped wipe out the early deficit, Ostapenko then outmaneuvering Kvitova on the baseline to hit the front a short while later. There was still time for a late wobble, Kvitova carving out a couple of break points at 5-3, but the teenager held firm to close out victory. 

Ostapenko’s run this week increases the likelihood of a Wimbledon seeding, and following this victory over a two-time champion expectation levels heading into the year’s third major will soar. “I mean, I think on grass, she’s one of the most dangerous opponents because she won twice Wimbledon. I’m happy to win today.”

The Latvian, who also beat Kvitova in Doha earlier this year, will now face Madison Keys. In another of the early matches, Keys swiftly dealt with qualifier Tamira Paszek, 6-1, 6-3, to keep her hopes of reaching the Top 10 alive.

To do so she will need to reach the final, although her post-match press conference was dominated by other concerns. “I feel like I’m up against the rain this week. Really happy that we were able to get on the court today,” Keys said. “Once I was out there, I was definitely really focused on getting on, playing as efficiently as possible, and hopefully finishing before the rain starts again.”