Tennis

Kvitova wins Wimbledon title

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-07-03 10:30

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic holds the winners trophy after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia in their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Petra Kvitova from the Czech Republic clinched her first Grand Slam title after defeating Russian Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 at the Wimbledon Championships on Saturday.

"It's hard to find the words," said a choked Kvitova, who completed the final with her one and only Ace in the match. "Of course I was nervous but I focused on each point."

The 2004 Wimbledon champion Sharapova broke in the opening game but her serves were not good enough to overcome the eighth seed Kvitova who returned aggressively to broke twice later so as to take the first set.

The 24-year-old Sharapova improved her returns in the following set and tied 3-3 with Kvitova after both breaking twice. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion suffered a break again in the seventh game, failing to stop the left-handed Kvitova to clinch the Venus Rosewater Dish.

"She was hitting really powerful and hitting winners from all over the court," Sharapova commented on her opponent's amazing performance.

"She made a defensive shot into an offensive one. I think she was just more aggressive than I was, hit deeper and harder and got advantage in the points."

Kvitova, 21, has reached the semifinals here last year but was held off by final champion Serena Williams while the American grabbed her 13th Grand Slam title in convincing style.

"Last year, I didn't have many chances to win," said Kvitova. "Serena played so well. I was young and I din't think I can beat her. What is different, because today I felt that I can."

Before the final clash with the fifth seed Sharapova, Kvitova has beaten four seeded players on her way, including fourth seeded Victoria Azarenka in the semifinals.