The 33-year-old Czech, who triumphed in 2011 and 2014, has gotten past the third round only once since her second victory but did not need to be anywhere near her best in a match full of errors, most of them from Sasnovich, who has never gone beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam in 10 years of trying.

Kvitova warmed up for Wimbledon with a grass court title in Berlin and though they traded early breaks, the Czech always looked to be on top and broke for 4-2, with Sasnovich dropping serve again, finishing with a double fault, to lose the first set.

The Belarusian, sporting full length white leggings, briefly perked up to break for 1-1 in the second but it did not last as the error count remained high in the face of Kvitova’s deep and accurate ground strokes and the favourite cruised home in 74 minutes.

“It’s always difficult to play her, always a battle, and I’m happy that somehow I found a way and I’m through,” said Kvitova, who is the fifth highest earning female player with almost US$37 million banked.

“I really enjoyed it. You never know how long you can play but I wish it never ends – all the support is always amazing.”