Just six months after suffering career-threatening injuries to her left, racket-wielding hand, Petra Kvitova was today able to use it to lift the Aegon Classic trophy after beating Ashleigh Barty 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in Birmingham.
It capped a remarkable comeback for Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon singles champion, who was at pains to play down her chances of winning the title at The Championships again.
A smiling Kvitova said: “I love playing finals on grass! I came here thanks to a wild card from the tournament organiser and I am very grateful for that. I wanted to get more grass court matches and now I have won this lovely trophy. I am so grateful for the support of my team over the last six months who have kept me smiling.
“I will now keep working hard for Wimbledon.”
The Czech left hander was playing in only her second tournament since she was stabbed by an intruder at her home in December and she lost the opening set to 21-year-old Australian Barty, who also considers herself something of a grass court specialist.
After recording a heart-warming win in the first round of the French Open, Kvitova then made her exit in the second round. But here in Birmingham she put together performances that will make her one of the favourites to win Wimbledon – even if she is trying to keep under the radar.
The big question will be has Kvitova got the fitness to win seven matches over a two week stretch at The Championships and there was a point in today’s final when it looked as if Barty was the stronger player. But Kvitova then upped her game and dominated the final set with her big groundstrokes, as she has done so often in the past.
Barty said: "She just got better and deserved to win. It is great to have her back on the tour – we missed you Petra!”
Kvitova first picked up a racquet again in March, 12 weeks after the attack and her form is truly remarkable given the mental and physical challenges she has faced in the last six months.
As such, whatever she acheives at Wimbledon will have to be considered as something of a bonus, but one feels there is more to come from this proven champion - in more ways than one.
