Barbora Zahlavova Strycova channelled focus in Li Na upset

The Czech, 28, claimed a 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) victory in two hours and 19 minutes over Li, for her first fourth-round appearance at a major in her 33rd main-draw attempt.

The second-ranked Chinese double-faulted on match point to hand Zahlavova Strycova a shock victory, and the Plzen native credited her demeanour for getting the result.

"I told myself before the match, I mean, this is Wimbledon, court number one, I shouldn't be grumpy. This is why I do this sport," Zahlavova Strycova said.

"This is why I play, to play these matches. I think I did great today mentally. It wasn't easy actually."

Zahlavova Strycova said it was a challenge to negotiate the end of the second-set tie-break, after walking to the net believing she had won - before a correct Li challenge saw the 12th point of the breaker replayed.

"The last point she challenged the match point. I thought I won the match. I didn't hear that she challenged it. It's really tough," she said.

"You kind of won the match, but you did not. It's so far away still. I wasn't nervous at that point. I knew what I'm going to do.

"But my mental skills were working today."

Wimbledon is the only major Li has not reached at least the semi-finals at, and the two-time major winner said she lacked smarts during rallies with Zahlavova Strycova.

"(It) is not only about technique. I think sometimes I don't know how to play the point, especially in the important moment. I think today I make a lot of mistakes," Li said.

On her opponent, Li added: "I think she finds very good chance to come to the net. Pretty good serve, I would like to say, today. I don't know how other day she play, but at least today she has very good serve."