Kvitova wins Birmingham title
Originally published on 25/06/17 00:00
In just her second tournament back after being stabbed in the hand by an intruder in her home last December, the Czech has returned to winning ways and she was thrilled to capture her 20th career title.
Kvitova had to recover from a set down to secure victory and she finished the match with an avalanche of winners. It was a display of power and precision from the Czech and she appears ready to contend at Wimbledon.
“From the first hit on the grass I felt great,” said the new champion. “It was my dream to play on the grass this season and I’m glad I made it. I came to grass to improve my game and I did not really have any expectations but I wanted to play my best, which I showed today, and I hope to keep doing it.”
The Australian, in just her second WTA final, said: “I’ve had a fantastic week so far and congratulations to Petra. It was a good match and I’m proud of what we’ve done this week and I’ve still got an opportunity to play some doubles later on.”
Barty had already eliminated one Grand Slam winner in her charge to the final – Garbine Muguruza – and she was in the mood to do it again. The 21-year-old used her forehand to control the centre of the court and she was able to outmanoeuvre her opponent with her vicious backhand slice.
Kvitova’s form was patchy in the opener but she played with greater conviction in the second set. The two-time Wimbledon champion began to enjoy greater success behind her first delivery and her venomous groundstrokes were bounding through the court to great effect.
Barty was outgunned in the decider and she was unable to stay competitive as Kvitova reeled off four games in succession to take the match and the title.
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