Battling Kvitova hits peak form to retain her crown

Petra Kvitova became the first player in 13 years to defend the Nature Valley Classic title successfully in Birmingham, with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over Magdalena Rybarikova in a compelling final at the Edgbaston Priory Club.

The victory was Kvitova’s fifth WTA title of 2018 and provided her with the perfect preparation for Wimbledon.

“I didn’t expect to come here and win the title,” said Kvitova, whose run of matches during the week included a first-round victory over British No1 Johanna Konta.

“For me, I’m surprised. But on the other hand, I felt good on the court from the first rounds. Meeting Jo in the first round wasn’t an easy draw. That match told me I could play well on the grass again.

“I was just keeping up the good performance on it. I think today was a great final to kind of fight. We played over two hours, so it was a great final to watch, I think. I hope.”

Rybarikova started brightly, with Kvitova showing more nerves than the Slovak in the early stages. Rybarikova, herself a champion here in 2009, stormed to a first-set lead before Kvitova began to show the ferocious grass-court tennis that she is capable of.

“She’s a tricky player, so it always takes time to get used to,” said the Czech. “She has a little bit of a different serve as well. We practised one day here a day before the tournament, but a match is a match. I needed a little bit of time to get used to spins and slices and volleys, and whatever she plays just starting a game. I needed some time.”

Maria Sharapova was the last woman to retain the title in Birmingham, having won in 2004 and 2005. Only three other players – Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, who won four times in succession, and Lori Mcneil – have lifted the famous

All smiles: Petra Kvitova retained the title in impressive style yesterday Maud Watson Trophy in consecutive years.

“I think it was at the end a good match, maybe a cruel result,” said Rybarikova. “She’s a great player; amazing on grass. That’s why she won the tournament. She won so fast all the matches. I kept her longest in the match today.”

This year’s tournament enjoyed record sales, thanks to one of the strongest player draws in its history and a week of good weather, including a sun-soaked final day.

The crowd was also treated to an exciting, high-quality doubles final, with Australian Open champions Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos winning the title via a nail-biting deciding set 10-8 over Belgians Elise Mertens and Demi Schuurs.