Kvitova comeback complete as she stuns Barty in Birmingham

Petra Kvitova claimed a remarkable victory at the Aegon Classic title in Birmingham just six months after a career-threatening stabbing incident at her home.

Kvitova saw off Australia’s Ashleigh Barty 4-6 6-3 6-2 in only her second tournament since the start of her comeback at the French Open last month.

Two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova was stabbed in the Czech Republic in December and could have lost her career, escaping instead with hand injuries.

But in a stunning performance against Barty, Kvitova battled back from losing the first set and stepped up in the second half of the decider to seal victory.

Kvitova said: “I’m very, very happy, of course. I didn’t expect this in my second tournament after my comeback. So yeah, I think it’s kind of a fairytale.

“I think I’ve been through a very difficult time in my life, and it wasn’t about the tennis, but about coming back healthy and alive and move my fingers properly and everything like that. And this is something clearly special.

“It’s some bonus to have my life and my career and everything. And that’s why I fight that hard to come back to play tennis.

“And I always said that I’m not here just to play tennis. I’m here to play my best and to win trophies, like today. So I have to say I’m kind of proud of myself that I did it today.”

Barty, the world no 77, praised her opponent and described her as an ‘inspiration.

“It’s so amazing to have Petra back on the court. She’s such an inspiration.

“She’s always been a great champion but I think we appreciate that more now that she’s back playing week in and week out.”