Petra Kvitova clinched her first title in just her second tournament since returning from a career-threatening hand injury, defeating Australia’s Ashleigh Barty 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday’s Birmingham final.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova was sidelined for five months as she recovered from severe injuries to her left playing hand suffered while fighting off a knife-wielding burglar at her home in the Czech Republic in December.
“I like to play finals on grass. I wish there were more,” said Kvitova.
“It’s been an amazing tournament. But there is a lot of work to do. I could not have imagined a better comeback than I am having now.”
Kvitova, 27, returned at last month’s French Open, losing in the second round, but will head to Wimbledon as a leading contender for the women’s crown after landing her 20th career title. – Agence France-Presse
