Maria Sharapova v Petra Kvitova - Wimbledon 2011 women's final as it happened | Scott Murray | Sport | The Guardian Maria Sharapova v Petra Kvitova - Wimbledon 2011 women's final as it happened The moment of victory Saturday 2 July 2011 06.19 EDT First published on Saturday 2 July 2011 06.19 EDT Share on Messenger Close You can't knock the quality of the Ladies Singles this year. The intensity of the fascinating Marion Bartoli. Amazing comebacks for Venus and Serena Williams. Shocking defeats - possibly of the harbinger variety - for Venus and Serena Williams. Promising performances by Plucky Brits® Heather Watson and Laura Robson. The wildcard heroics of Sabine Lisicki. Barry Davies back in the commentary box. The simply astonishing Kimiko Date-Krumm. It's been a blast. Those who continually knock the women's game want to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror. And with the dust coming down, the two deserving finalists are Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova.

The 24-year-old Russian is hot favourite to win her first slam since the Australian Open in 2008 - it would be her second Wimbledon title, after the victory in 2004 which saw her introduce the concept of text messaging to Sue Barker - but the 21-year-old big-hitting left-handed Czech is hotly tipped as a future slam winner. Here's hoping for a classic tussle to put the cherry on a fine 2011 tournament. They'll be out soon to knock up. Play begins at 2pm. The weather: Overcast / sunny. The crowd: Increasingly unfunny. Hugely Talented Sports Star In Feet On Ground shock: Kvitova's just been interviewed on the BBC. A more charming chat you'll do well to lug in on. Do you like designer gear, she's asked? "Nah. I like normal clothes, jeans and t-shirt. Sometimes a dress. I don't want to change, I just want to be like everyone else, I'm nothing special." Here they come. A long march through the clubhouse. Both women are given huge sprays of flowers before they take to the court. Kvitova smiles shyly.

Sharapova looks stern and serious. Both look nervous as they wait to be announced to Centre Court. And they have a fair old wait before they're allowed to enter the arena. Which they eventually do, to trademark polite Wimbledon applause. If I'm ranking the flowers, Sharapova's arrangement looks a bit more varied in colour to me. Kvitova's bunch is a tad purple heavy. Too many Purple Flowers (purplus indigo flowerum). Sharapova wins the toss, but strangely allows Kvitova to serve first. Tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tik tok tikky tik tok. They're knocking up. The atmosphere on Centre Court? There's a buzz, albeit a genteel one. Need you have asked? It's nearly 2.10pm; umpire Alison Lang has called time, and we're about to get under way. First set: Kvitova* 0-1 Sharapova (*denotes server). "First set, Miss Petra Kvitova to serve. Ready, play." A shaky start for Kvitova, who hits a forehand into the net, then another way too long.

But she wins her first-ever point in a grand-slam final after Sharapova hits long, then sends her opponent skittering this way and that after kicking a beautiful serve wide right. Sharapova comes straight back at her, though, with a couple of big points, Kvitova struggling to return. Sharapova breaks. Not such a strange move to opt to receive, then. A very wise decision. It's only the fifth time Kvitova's serve has been broken all fortnight. First set: Kvitova 1-1 Sharapova*. What a response by Kvitova, who wins the break straight back. The first point looks like it's been won by a lovely cross-court shot, left to right, by Sharapova, but Kvitova races across and whips a delicious winner down the right-hand sideline. Amazing shot, and one that rocks Sharapova on her heels. She's soon 0-40 down, and though she saves the first break point, the inevitable occurs on the next one. This already promises to be a toe-to-toe battle, both women having already landed one huge blow. More, please!

First set: Kvitova* 2-1 Sharapova. And now a serve held, though it took some work. Kvitova slices a couple of huge serves out wide, Sharapova overcooking the returns, sending them well outside the sidelines. She's 40-15 up, but Sharapova fights back, and skelps a massive forehand down the left-hand sideline to bring the game to deuce. The Russian's soon earned a break point, but Kvitova - on her second serve - wallops a huge forehand to the right-hand corner of Sharapova's court to save the game. Kvitova's soon chalking it up after forcing Sharapova out wide left with a big serve, then dispatching the return down the right-hand sideline. This is becoming a mighty battle already. First set: Kvitova 2-2 Sharapova*. The wheels have been known to clank off Sharapova's serve now and then, and she delivers her first double fault at 15-15. Her next first serve flies into the net too, and you can hear the sharp intakes of breath being taken by her coaches.

Fortunately for the Russian she booms an unreturnable serve down to bring the game back to 30-30, and soon enough the game is secured, though Kvitova had half a chance to make a cross-court winner and earn a break point, only to wildly overcook her double-handed skelp. The least dramatic game so far, if you were to insist on ranking them thus. "The wife and I are watching with sound muted," writes Michael Gaff, "and we can still hear Maria." First set: Kvitova* 3-2 Sharapova. A solid, fuss-free service game from Kvitova. After looking understandably jittery in the first game or two, she appears to have totally settled now. First set: Kvitova 4-2 Sharapova*. Sharapova is taking bloody ages between serves, much to the annoyance of Kvitova, who very much likes to get on with it, and has taken to hopping and bobbing around in the agitated fashion. Some venom in one return sends Sharapova skidaddling miles wide left of court; she's nowhere as Kvitova approaches the net to finish the point off with a mammoth smash down the middle.

Having brought the game to 30-30 by doing so, Sharapova serves out the game, though not in the way she'd like: two comically poor double faults hand the game to the Czech. This is very worrying for Sharapova. First set: Kvitova* 5-2 Sharapova. Boom boom boom boom. Private Baldrick would love Kvitova's serve. "I'm in Tooting," writes Citizen Gary Naylor ," and I'm pretty sure I just heard Maria. Either that, or a fox just got run over on Merton Road." First set: Kvitova 5-3 Sharapova*. Tape measure owner Michael McIntyre and rotund humourist James Corden were at the Murray-Nadal game yesterday. Just as we thought the reading on the celebrity-o-meter couldn't get any lower, duplicitous manifesto-mangler Nick Clegg pops up, and the needle shears right off. God save us from more eejitry. Sharapova starts the service game with her third double fault in a row, but gets it together staunchly, scrapping through a few points to 40-30.

But she's pegged back to deuce, Kvitova launching a searing winner down the right-hand sideline. Sharapova saves a set point, before serving the game out. But the favourite isn't looking comfortable at all. Unless she breaks her opponent in the next game, she'll be dropping her first set of the tournament. KVITOVA WINS THE FIRST SET: Kvitova* 6-3 Sharapova. Sharpova has no answer to Kvitova's serve, which is finding the far corners of both deuce and advantage court with unerring accuracy, then kicking out wide. Most of the returns fly straight into the net. Kvitova serves the game out to love, taking the first set. That was a brilliant set of tennis by the young Czech star. She's in the process of blowing Sharapova away. Second set: Kvitova 6-3, 1-0 Sharapova*. Of course, whether Kvitova can keep it up, with her first grand-slam title beckoning, is another thing altogether. The initial signs are good.

She goes 30-0 down, but brings it back to 30-30 with the shot of the match so far, a burning cross-court forehand whistling past Sharapova's nose. Sharapova responds with her fifth double fault of the match, and Kvitova converts her break point with an outstanding ball whipped down the right-hand sideline. It lands on the baseline, is called out, but correctly challenged. This is outstanding tennis by the young Czech player. At the moment, Sharapova has no answer. Second set: Kvitova* 6-3, 2-0 Sharapova. Kvitova is a set and a break up. Will the nerves kick in? She opens the game with her first double fault of the match. But Sharapova isn't doing much to apply any pressure herself, hitting the next point long. It allows Kvitova to regroup. She picks up a ball that's sent right by her toes with a wedge over the net that Phil Mickelson would be proud of, then whips yet another forehand winner up the sideline.

At 40-30, Kvitova double-faults, but even then she doesn't falter, a couple of big serves easing her through the rest of the game. Second set: Kvitova 6-3, 2-1 Sharapova*. What's this? Sharapova wins only her second game in eight, and to love t'boot. Second set: Kvitova* 6-3, 2-2 Sharapova. Kvitova's serve is rocking a tad - she double faults yet again, her third of the match, all in this set - and finally Sharapova asks a question, hitting a pearler of a return down the left-hand sideline. On break point, she seals the game by returning a weak Kvitova smash, lobbing her opponent straight down the middle. That's more like it from the hot favourite. Second set: Kvitova 6-3, 3-2 Sharapova*. What mettle Kvitova possesses! The game goes to four deuces. It's eventually won by a blistering two-handed cross-court backhand, right to left, the ball landing flush in the extreme left-hand corner of Sharapova's court.

The Russian didn't have a hope. To bounce back like that, having just been broken, with a first grand-slam increasingly within touching distance, is simply outstanding. There's a real sense that a star is being born here... though let's not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. The last mile is the longest mile. Second set: Kvitova* 6-3, 3-3 Sharapova. And all of a sudden, the nerves start to show. A terrible mistake by Kvitova at 30-15. Her serve to the advantage court takes a huge kick right, sending Sharapova out of the game. All Kvitova has to do is dink the return into an empty court. Instead, she balloons an absurd backhand miles wide of the left-hand sideline. And then another at deuce, missing the easiest of smashes at the net, hoicking a load of nonsense yards wide right of another unguarded court. Sharapova breaks with a massive forehand down the right-hand line. That was very, very poor from Kvitova. Could those mistakes be as pivotal as Andy Murray's missed smash against Rafael Nadal in the second set yesterday?

Second set: Kvitova 6-3, 4-3 Sharapova*. This is a real rollercoaster now. Or is it a pendulum? It might be both. Kvitova knocks Sharapova backwards with some big, deep returns. She earns two break points, and wins the second, waiting patiently at the back of the court during a long rally until Sharapova finally cracks and booms a forehand long. After the utter nonsense she served up in the last game, that's a majestic response by Kvitova. She's getting closer and closer ... Second set: Kvitova* 6-3, 5-3 Sharapova. ... and closer and closer. Kvitova slips to 15-30, but sends down a wonderful couple of first serves: they're not tight in the corners, but have enough slice to send Sharapova too far wide to return accurately. She's a game away from her first major title. Second set: Kvitova 6-3, 5-4 Sharapova*. A service game to love. The players walk back to their seats for the changeover.

It'll be the longest wait for Kvitova, who is about to serve for the match, and the 2011 Wimbledon's Ladies' Singles championship. PETRA KVITOVA IS THE 2011 WIMBLEDON CHAMPION!!! Kvitova* 6-3, 6-4 Sharapova. Two big serves from the young Czech send Sharapova skittering out wide; Kvitova puts the returns away easily enough. Sharapova nets a return, and Kvitova has three championship points. She only needs one, hammering an ace down to secure her first major title! She drops to the famous turf, then quickly rises with a huge smile playing across her face. Sharapova - who never really had a proper look-in - air-kisses her at the net. What a win. What a player. That was an outstanding performance by the 21-year-old Czech. The Duke of Kent bowls into view, in order to deal out the trophies. Kvitova's name is already up, in gold leaf, on the honours board. That was pretty quick work. Sharapova picks up her silver runners-up platter and smiles grimly. She looks gutted.

In truth, she never looked happy today. Then Kvitova gets to raise the famous winner's shield over her head, to warm applause. She smiles shyly. "I'm nothing special," said the modest Kvitova before the match. And yet the evidence is piling up to the contrary. The post-match interviews: Poor Sharapova manages a grim smile, and generously congratulates Kvitova for her brilliant victory. Then Kvitova is asked whether she's just played the best game of her life. "Er, I think so," she laughs. Is she ready to take her lap of honour around Centre Court with her new trophy? "Yes, I am ready." Damn straight she was ready. What a performance. A deserving champion, a wonderful performance in the final, and a fine end to a magnificent tournament. The men have it all to live up to tomorrow; let's hope they manage it.

Topics Novak Djokovic has beaten Rafael Nadal in four sets and been crowned Wimbledon champion Published: 3 Jul 2011 After winning his first Wimbledon title Novak Djokovic said that he had to play his 'best match ever' to beat Rafael Nadal Published: 3 Jul 2011 The British teenager Liam Broady was grateful for the advice he received from the Wimbledon champion during his memorable juniors campaign Published: 3 Jul 2011 Petra Kvitova set the emotions flowing inside Centre Court as she defeated Maria Sharapova and became the first left-hander to win Wimbledon since Martina Navratilova Published: 2 Jul 2011 Wimbledon 2011: Petra Kvitova defeats Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 to win women's singles final on Centre Court - Telegraph Wimbledon Wimbledon 2011: Petra Kvitova defeats Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 to win women's singles final on Centre Court So the moneyed and honeyed Maria Sharapova had her Wimbledon final hijacked by an opponent, who, in some ways, is an anti-Maria, an anti-celebrity.

To the victor the spoils: Petra Kvitova holds aloft the Venus Rosewater Dish Photo: AFP Picture perfect: the Centre Court crowd all want Kvitova's photo Photo: GETTY IMAGES Image 1 of 5 Mixed emotions: while Kvitova beams with delight, Maria Sharapova looks glum after her defeat Photo: GETTY IMAGES Up in lights: Kvitova's smile is there to stay Photo: GETTY IMAGES Image 1 of 5 Follow The unstarry, unaffected Petra Kvitova, a 21 year-old from the Czech Republic who thinks of herself as a "jeans and T-shirt" kind of girl, and who could not even tell you who her favourite clothes designer is, played with a nerveless ease to defeat Sharapova on Centre Court for her first grand slam title. It had been widely supposed that this title-match would bring a comeback victory for the world's highest-earning sportswoman, for the groomed and polished Sharapova, for the lady whose face has launched a thousand advertising campaigns, yet she was beaten by someone who does not appear to know how good she is.

Kvitova, ranked eighth in the world, certainly does not have the look of an athlete who has spent much time considering her own worth. Had Sharapova won this match, kisses would have been blown to all corners of Centre Court; in the moments after Kvitova's 6-3, 6-4 victory, which she had completed with an ace banged through into the backstop, the Czech sat on her chair with her hands covering her mouth. During an on-court interview with the BBC, Kvitova broke off and half turned away when she thought that Sue Barker was finished with her, so looking every bit like someone not used to what happens after winning a title on a big occasion. Soon after being presented with the Venus Rosewater Dish, she walked off the turf and was shown the honours board, which already had her name on it, and she let out a little embarrassed giggle, and she was then a touch self-conscious and awkward, though obviously pleased too, after she took the trophy out the back of the stadium to show the crowds. Kvitova made for a low-to-middling tennis celebrity, and a superb, delightful Wimbledon champion.

Related Articles Wimbledon 2011: live match centre 20 Jun 2011 So Kvitova became the youngest Wimbledon champion since Sharapova won this title as a 17-year-old in 2004. Whenever anyone looks back to that final, when Sharapova defeated Serena Williams, they remember it as the afternoon when she gave birth to a brand. While no one is ever going to win Wimbledon and keep a low profile, it did not feel as though this was the moment that launched Kvitova as a megastar. That is not to criticise or to patronise her; not everyone can have, and not everyone wants to have, Sharapova's life. Though Sharapova and Kvitova are both very tall, very modern Eastern Europeans who cuff the ball, they are plainly not two chips from the same Eastern Bloc. Sharapova was born in Siberia; but she is really a product of Florida and that tennis factory known as the Nick Bollettieri Academy. Kvitova, who was born in the Moravian-Silesian region of the Czech Republic, still lives in the family home in the small town of Fulnek.

Whatever Kvitova lacked in poise after the match and between points, she showed plenty when the tennis was actually being played. Plus, a lot of strength in her arm. There have not been many occasions in Sharapova's tennis life when she has been out-hit, but this was one of them, as Kvitova prevented Sharapova from winning her first grand slam since the 2008 Australian Open and since the operation to her shoulder. Once again, Sharapova had some problems with her serve. In her semi-final against the German wild card Sabine Lisicki, Sharapova had struck 13 double-faults, and she committed another six in this final, including a run of three in a row spread over two games. But Sharapova, who had reached the final without dropping a set, did not beat herself with her own serving yips; she was beaten by Kvitova's fine grass-court tennis. When Kvitova arrived at the All England Club last summer she had never won a match on grass (she had lost her first four appearances on the surface), and then she made the semi-finals, She came back this year and won the whole thing.

What was so welcome about this result was that Kvitova was playing freely and taking big swings; in contrast, you could say, to the careful, overly-defensive play from Caroline Wozniacki, who is officially the best player in the women's game, but who is yet to win a major. This was one for the lefties. No longer do you have to cast around in the Royal Box for the last left-hander to have won this tournament. Given all the supposed advantages of being a leftie on a grass court, it is strange to think that, before this match, the last southpaw champion was Martina Navratilova, the winner here in the summer of 1990. That was when Kvitova was just four months old. Navratilova was here to see this. In the Open era, only four left-handed players have appeared in grand slam finals – Ann Jones, Monica Seles, Navratilova and now Kvitova. However, you could say that, for a moment or two, this was an all-left-handed final.

Sharapova, who is ambidextrous, played left-handed until she was 10, and on a couple of occasions, after being sent wide on what would have been her backhand side, she switched the racket into her other hand and attempted a leftie forehand. The most emotional moment came when Kvitova looked up at Navratilova and also at Jana Novotna, who had previously been the last Czech woman to have won this tournament with her victory in 1998. Kvitova's eyes turned pink and puffy. Kvitova had been oblivious to Sharapova's grunting. The fact that she had played the shrieking Victoria Azarenka of Belarus a round earlier was probably useful as it meant that she had recent experience of dealing with a screamer. But perhaps she would have been oblivious anyway. Kvitova was oblivious to a lot of things. She just went out there and played, hit the ball hard and won Wimbledon. Everything else, you could say, is just nonsense and fripperies.

Wimbledon 2011 women's semi-final: Victoria Azarenka v Petra Kvitova - as it happened | Katy Murrells | Sport | The Guardian Wimbledon 2011 Wimbledon 2011 women's semi-final: Victoria Azarenka v Petra Kvitova - as it happened Petra Kvitova resisted a fightback from Victoria Azarenka to win 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 and reach her first grand slam final Victoria Azarenka: preparing to unleash a shriek. Or a wail. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA Thursday 30 June 2011 07.01 EDT First published on Thursday 30 June 2011 07.01 EDT Share on Messenger Close Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of women's semi-finals day, brought to you from the not-so-comfortable surroundings of a cramped commentary box on Centre Court, as Serena and Venus Williams march towards their annual showdown in Saturday's final. Oh. Except there isn't a Williams in sight and instead we're left with two ovas, an enka and an icki.

The most famous of the ovas, Maria Sharapova, has filled the void left by the departed sisters, and half-killed poor Dominika Cibulkova as she laid down a statement of intent in the quarter-finals. The 2004 champion is the only player left to have won a grand slam title, or indeed reached a major final. But in the big-serving Sabine Lisicki, or "Boom Boom" as the German is known, Sharapova is up against an opponent who should give back as good as she gets. But enough about them for the time being. Before that there's the matter of the Belarusian fourth seed and the highest-ranked player left, Victoria Azarenka , against the Czech eighth seed and last year's semi-finalist, Petra Kvitova. Play starts at 1pm. Xan hasn't gone on strike like many of the country's workers today, just in case you were wondering. Instead, he's swapped the rain-threatened surroundings of the All England Club for the warmer climes of Spain, where he's interviewing none other than Antonio Banderas. The Voice of Wimbledon has already informed us there's a threat of showers this afternoon, 50% to be exact.

Not that it matters quite so much today, with both matches on Centre, where the roof can be called into action, as it has so many times during this fortnight. Do feel free to send over any semi-final predictions. For what it's worth, I'm backing Sharapova later, I think her experience will give her the edge, but I can't decide whether Azarenka or Kvitova will sneak it in three. Though to spare us all from the decibel-shattering screaming of a Sharapova v Azarenka final, I'll go for Kvitova. 12.30pm: Just behind Centre Court is Court 17, where Andy Murray is currently out practising ahead of tomorrow's semi-final date with Rafael Nadal. So how does Murray prepare for the world No1 and 10-times grand slam champion? By having a hit with British doubles player Colin Fleming. Hmm. 12.44pm: "I'm a Kiwi gracing the Netherlands with my presence," writes Anthony Ford. "I'm trying to gauge the local support for any of the semi-finalists but it seems the Dutch are interested in only one sport for females: Fierljeppen (canal pole vault) .

Me? I pick Azarenka to go all the way." Crikey, I've never seen that before. Maybe Wimbledon should introduce something similar over the Centre Court net? Or even the roof? 12.55pm: Five minutes or so to go until the players come out, so time for the Royal Box roll call. Jack Nicklaus? Present. Robert Redford? Present. Cliff Richard? Present. Gloria Hunniford? Present. Dame Maggie Smith? Present. Pippa Middleton and General Guthrie of Craigiebank ? Sadly absent. Though we do have HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, which sounds nearly as good. 1.01pm: And the players are out. In terms of their head-to-head, there's nothing to pick between them, with two wins apiece. Though Kvitova has prevailed in their last two meetings, including at Wimbledon last year. The key for Kvitova will be her serve, as a left-hander it's her biggest strength, her forehand is pretty handy too. She probably has the stronger weapons, though Azarenka is a very solid player and having threatened for a few years now, this semi-final appearance seems long overdue.

The Belarusian was so disillusioned with tennis a few months ago, by the way, she considered quitting. Hopefully that didn't have anything to do with this interview . Right, Kvitova will serve first. Here goes ... First set: *Azarenka 0-1 Kvitova (*denotes next server) Already a laugh or two from the crowd in response to Azarenka's noise every time she hits the ball, which can only be described as an owl-like distress call. Far less ear-piercing than Sharapova's shriek, but irritating nonetheless. It seems to do her some good though, as she carves out an early break point at 30-40. Kvitova saves it with a crunching forehand. Deuce. Advantage Kvitova. Deuce. Advantage Kvitova. And Kvitova takes the game with a swinging ace out wide. First set: Azarenka 1-1 Kvitova* Azarenka opens up with a comfortable hold to 15. Meanwhile here's Gary Naylor: "Will all these Slebs in the Royal Box be pitching up for the Olympics?

Perhaps not at the table-tennis third qualifying round, the only success from 20 applications from my home. How would the slebocracy get their tickets if they did? I take it that they are guests of the AELTC today, but guests of the IOC or their sponsors? Perish the thought." Table-tennis third qualifying round? You should count yourself lucky Gary, that's more than I got. Bah. First set: *Azarenka 1-2 Kvitova Azarenka unleashes a backhand winner down the line to get to 15-all, but that's as good as it gets for the Belarusian as Kvitova claims the next three points. There are still a fair few empty seats, it has to be said, which seems like a good time to bring in Nick Brodrick. "Is anyone really interested in this?" he asks. "No one outside the tennis fraternity will have heard of half the last 16 in the women's. Can anyone seriously argue that women deserve the same prize money as men, given the relative interest/entertainment level?" Thoughts to follow ...

First set: Azarenka 1-3 Kvitova* Both players are hitting very hard and flat with not too much variation, I think it's fair to say any forays into the net will be few and far between this afternoon. Some heavy thwacks from Kvitova bring up two break points at 15-40. The Czech dumps a shot into the net on the first, but a penetrating backhand on the next forces the error from Azarenka. And there's the first break. First set: *Azarenka 1-4 Kvitova Kvitova gets to 40-0, before a very noisy siren goes off around Centre. "Even more annoying than Azarenka's grunt," parps the BBC commentator, Chris Bradnam. The players stop for a moment but then decide to continue, and the noise stops. False alarm. Kvitova perhaps is a bit distracted, and Azarenka rattles off the next three points to get to deuce. But two thunderous winners from Kvitova and the danger is averted.

First set: Azarenka 1-5 Kvitova* Azarenka is being outplayed at the moment, and a slapped shot into the net means she's in danger again at 30-40. Another punishing ground stroke from Kvitova and Azarenka shanks it well out. Kvitova is in complete control. This could be over very quickly. Kvitova wins the first set 6-1 Ace. 15-0. Ace. 30-0. Ace. 40-0. Miscued volley from Azarenka. Game and set in just 27 minutes. Wow. An amazing set of tennis from Kvitova, with 13 winners and just three unforced errors. Second set: Azarenka 1-6 1-0 Kvitova* Azarenka stops the rot by holding to love, her first game in six. Meanwhile in response to Nick, granted, women's tennis isn't in the best of health right now, there's a lack of real star power at the top, and these two players aren't yet known by many. But they have tremendous potential.

I always find it a bit funny that people moan about it being boring when the Williams sisters win, but then as soon as Serena and Venus go out of a tournament, people then complain that no one is interested in who's left. Agreed, if Kvitova steamrolls this one in straight sets, equal prize money does seem a bit ludicrous. But then you can also argue the women put just as much into their profession, they're still training, practising etc. exactly the same amount as the men, and most of them would say if they were asked to play five sets in the grand slams they'd be happy to do so. I can see the argument from both sides. Second set: *Azarenka 1-6 2-0 Kvitova Well here's a turnaround. Azarenka takes it to seven straight points for the second set, and has three break points at 0-40. Kvitova nets on the second and Azarenka does lots of fist pumping. "Given that both of these women are 21, blonde, non-slam winners, a couple WTA tournament winners, wear white Nike, have beautiful big hair, have Slavian heritage ...

any huntch/sign for a crowd favourite?" asks Sasu Laaksonen. Not really Sasu - just polite applause for both I'd say. Azarenka needs to continue her revival for the crowd to get more into this. Second set: Azarenka 1-6 3-0 Kvitova* That she does, despite Kvitova reeling off two return winners - one forehand, one backhand, to move to 30-40. But the Czech overcooks her shot on break point and it's deuce. And Azarenka then edges through. Kvitova hasn't been able to maintain her standard from the first set and is throwing more errors in now. And an email from Paul Smith entitled "Nasty Nick": "I think the women's tennis has been excellent this Wimbledon.

There was hardly a decent men's game for the first week, compared to some great three-setters in the women's - one decent game yesterday doesn't suddenly make the men's game more entertaining." Second set: *Azarenka 1-6 3-1 Kvitova Break point for Azarenka at 30-40, but she goes long and appeals to Hawk-Eye in vain. Deuce. Advantage Kvitova. Deuce. Advantage Kvitova. Game Miss Kvitova. Big hold. And Gary Naylor is back: "I'd be happy for the very best players to play five sets and get equal prize money, but there are still lots of mid-ranking players who don't look remotely fit enough to play five setters. Mme Bartoli looked shot on Tuesday against the excellent Fraulein Lisicki - whom I suspect will have too much variety for La Sharapova later. Anyway, being ranked 11 to 20 by the WTA secures a comfortable living already, but seems to demand less fitness than being a club runner.

To equalise prize money for the round of 32 failures really would be ridiculous." Well, three sets or five sets, equal prize money is what they're getting now - and I can't see the All England Club going back on that decision. Second set: Azarenka 1-6 4-1 Kvitova* Azarenka holds to 30, as Ed Brown mulls over the finer details of the sound that Azarenka is emitting. "I'm listening to the tennis on a national broadcasting radio station and following here on GBG. The commentators have talked about Azarenka's "grunting" but from what I can hear she sounds like Mickey Mouse in distress … or maybe Miss Piggy, irate or in distress. Anyhoo, is that really grunting? It's more akin to shrieking or wailing. Grunting is what men of a certain age do when they sit down on the sofa. Thanks." Agreed - I'd say it's a wail, or as I said earlier an animal in distress. Possibly an owl. It's a strange one, for sure. Can you imagine an Azarenka v Sharapova final?

You'd have to get your finger on the mute button, or failing that invest in some heavy-duty ear plugs. Second set: *Azarenka 1-6 4-2 Kvitova Kvitova is again forced to save a break point, before rattling off the next two points. After barely dropping a point on serve in the first set, she's really struggling to hold on to serve now. But she's still just about in touch in this second set. Second set: Azarenka 1-6 5-2 Kvitova* The backhand is back, as Kvitova nails one down the line to take the first point of the game. But then the errors come flooding back, allowing Azarenka to hold to 30. "Couldn't the Voice of Wimbledon say there will be a 50% chance of dryness instead, just to spice things up?" asks Geraint Morgan. I guess the Voice of Wimbledon must be a glass half empty kind of guy. Second set: *Azarenka 1-6 5-3 Kvitova Kvitova holds to love, finishing things off with an ace, to force Azarenka to serve for the set ...

Azarenka wins the second set 6-3 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Big fist pump and "C'mon" from Azarenka. Three set points. But Kvitova - at full stretch - nails a backhand winner down the line. 40-15. Azarenka nets. 40-30. Kvitova goes long. And that's the set. Credit to Azarenka for weathering the storm and then recovering to force a decider. "The biggest set of their careers," declares Tracy Austin. "I agree with Nick," writes Eoin Jones. "In the age of Sampras when points in the men's game only lasted a few seconds I preferred the women's game. Since they slowed the grass courts down, however, there is now arguably more variety in the men's game. Drop-shots, lobs and defensive slices have become common whereas the women's game seems more like a stale war of attrition in comparison.

In this respect, the Williams sisters do have a lot to answer for." Final set: *Azarenka 1-6 6-3 0-1 Kvitova Nevermind Azarenka's wail/distress call/whatever you want to call it, Kvitova's little yelp is growing in intensity now the final set is upon us. And she holds to 15. Final set: Azarenka 1-6 6-3 0-2 Kvitova* Fabulous hitting from Kvitova gets her to 15-30. Azarenka then strikes long and here are the first break points of the final set. 15-40. Azarenka wrong foots her opponent to save the first. But she undoes all her good work as she goes wide. Break Kvitova. "I sat through Azarenka last Friday," writes Tom Adam. "The noise is quite bizarre and is most certainly not a "grunt" – in fact it reminds me of the Nebelwurfer, a German WW2 rocket launcher nicknamed "Screaming Meemie". Have a listen and you'll only be able to agree.

Oh, and tell that ignoramus Naylor that it's "who will have", not "whom will have". Tsk." Final set: *Azarenka 1-6 6-3 0-3 Kvitova A huge challenge for Kvitova at 40-30, but Hawk-Eye shows Azarenka's effort landed plumb on the baseline and it's deuce. Kvitova then rifles another double-handed backhand down the line. Advantage. And game. Martina Navratilova, the last left-hander to win Wimbledon in 1990, offers her applause from the crowd. Martina's sitting next to Richard Branson bizarrely. A crucial hold for Azarenka coming up. Final set: Azarenka 1-6 6-3 1-3 Kvitova* When Kvitova's on form, the depth on her ground strokes is almost unplayable, though she leaves very little room for error as she strikes the ball so flat. She demonstrates both sides to her game here, with a couple of fierce shots, before throwing in some mistakes. Azarenka gets on the board in the decider, holding to 30.

Final set: *Azarenka 1-6 6-3 1-4 Kvitova A couple of great points from Azarenka: first a perfectly-measured lob, then a cross-court winner. 15-40. Two break-back points. Some good work from Kvitova at the net saves the first, gutsy from the Czech to switch it up at this stage. A clean winner and it's deuce. Azarenka has converted just one of eight break points, but credit to Kvitova for raising her level at the crunch moments. Kvitova comes through the game with another ace, her ninth of the day. Final set: Azarenka 1-6 6-3 2-4 Kvitova* Azarenka has what seems like the whole court to aim into but smacks the ball into the net. 0-15. The Belarusian takes a deep breath and charges 40-15 ahead, but Kvitova, undeterred, forges her way to deuce. Azarenka squeezes though.

And this from an appreciative Gary Naylor: "I'm grateful to Mr Adam, who I suspect may be better informed than I am on such grammatical constructions. (Google hit score for "who I suspect" vs "whom I suspect" - 28M vs 4M. The people have spoken - correctly)." Final set: *Azarenka 1-6 6-3 2-5 Kvitova Kvitova shows she's not all about the power, as she mixes it up with an amazing backhand slice-come-sidespin shot. The Czech then throws in a huge winner - her 38th of the day - and then whistles down an unreturned serve. She's a game away from her first grand slam final. Kvitova wins 6-1 3-6 6-2 Kvitova starts the game as she means to go on as she wallops a forehand winner, and before you know it, it's 30-40. Match point. Kvitova gets a little tight and can't take it. But two points later it's match point No2.

Azarenka double faults and Kvitova is through to her first grand slam final, 12 months after being denied by Serena Williams in the last four. Navratilova offers her applause from the crowd. Kvitova just had too much power for Azarenka, following up her potent serve with her heavy ground strokes. The 21-year-old eighth seed will now face either Maria Sharapova or Sabine Lisicki in Saturday's final. I'll be following the second semi-final in a separate game-by-game , so do join me for that. Thanks for your emails, see you shortly hopefully.

Topics Maria Sharapova recovered from a poor start to end the run of the German wildcard and reach her first Wimbledon final since 2004 Published: 30 Jun 2011 Petra Kvitova booked a place in the final at Wimbledon, where she will face Maria Sharapova, by beating Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 Published: 30 Jun 2011 LIVE Maria Sharapova - Petra Kvitová - Wimbledon women - 2 July 2011 - Eurosport KVITOVA SERVES OUT THE MATCH AT THE FIRST ATTEMPT WITH HER FIRST ACE OF THE DAY - SHARAPOVA 3-6 4-5 0-40 - Kvitova grabs the first point with a vicious forehand that Sharapova cannot return. And she grabs the second with another huge forehand that Sharapova returns into the net. And Kvitova earns herself THREE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS with another body serve that Sharapova can only return into the net ...

- SHARAPOVA 3-6 4-5 - Sharapova holds to love, Kvitova pulling a forehand return of serve well wide across court, and it will be a real test for the Czech player now as she has to hold her nerve to serve out for the title - SHARAPOVA 3-6 3-5 - Kvitova earns herself a game point with a great serve into the Sharapova body, the Russian can only return it long and when she slaps another forehand return long, Kvitova holds and leaves herself just one game away from the title. Sharapova will have to serve to stay in this match next ... - SHARAPOVA 3-6 3-4 - BREAK - Kvitova is nowhere near as tight on her ground-strokes as she is on serve and earns herself two more break points when Sharapova fails to deal with a cross court forehand and hits into the net. The first goes begging when Kvitova nets a backhand but she sneaks ahead again when Sharapova hits a backhand long to concede her serve - SHARAPOVA 3-6 3-3 - BREAK - Wow!

A very good return of serve from Sharapova is simply swatted away by Kvitova off the backhand wing but she can’t keep it up and the Russian earns herself another break back point. It goes begging with a backhand wide down the line but Kvitova misses a sitter, firing a shorter forehand wide across court, and this time Sharapova does break with a huge forehand return of serve winner - SHARAPOVA 3-6 2-3 - BREAK - Kvitova just gets the ball back deep waiting for the error from her opponent and it works as Sharapova eventually slaps a forehand long to be pegged back to deuce. Kvitova then goes on to earn a break point when Sharapova hits wide although she squanders it with a forehand into the net.

Sharapova comes up with a great pick up off her shoelaces but it can't stop Kvitova setting up a second break chance and this time she gets it with a forehand winner - SHARAPOVA 3-6 2-2 - BREAK - Sharapova ups her hitting almost imperceptibly and Kvitova hands the Russian a break back point with a forehand into the net. Sharapova is nothing if not a competitor though and she does secure the break back with a inch-perfect lob down the centre of the court, the ball landing right on the baseline - SHARAPOVA 3-6 1-2 - Much better from Sharapova on serve as she holds to love to get off the mark in this second set, a solid first serve being returned into the net by Kvitova - SHARAPOVA 3-6 0-2 - A couple of doubles from Kvitova don't help her cause although the Czech player does come up with a spectacular backhand drop shot, picking the ball up off her shoelaces on the baseline.

The second double sees Sharapova level at deuce but two huge serves that the Russian cannot return helps Kvitova hold and consolidate the break - SHARAPOVA 3-6 0-1 - BREAK - Another double fault from Sharapova, already her fifth, hands Kvitova another break point. And another stunning forehand winner down the line, the ball catching the very back of the line, does earn Kvitova the break. She is all over the Russian at the moment - SHARAPOVA 3-6 - SET - Kvitova earns herself three more set points, this time on her own serve, after jamming Sharapova with a body serve. Only one is needed though as the Czech player takes the first set with another great serve that Sharapova can only return into the net - SHARAPOVA 3-5 - Sharapova had not dropped a set in these championships prior to the final today but she suddenly finds herself set point down when she hits another forehand into the net. She saves it with her first ace of the day and goes on to hold with some huge hitting that leaves Kvitova scampering around the baseline.

The Czech player will have the chance to serve it out though - SHARAPOVA 2-5 - Kvitova is now just one game away from the first set as she holds to consolidate the break, firing down a smash winner after Sharapova had resorted to the left hand for a defensive forehand. And a forehand winner seals the hold for the Czech. The Russian will have to hold to keep this first set alive after the change of ends - SHARAPOVA 2-4 - BREAK - Some absolutely huge hitting from Kvitova has Sharapova struggling on the baseline and ends with the Czech player levelling at 30-30 with a forehand winner down the middle of the court. Sharapova hands Kvitova a break point with a double fault before conceding her serve with a second straight double. That's Sharapova's Achilles heel right there - SHARAPOVA 2-3 - Kvitova has settled well now as she holds to 30, perhaps getting a little lucky early on in the game when Sharapova dumps a backhand into the net despite having the open court to aim at.

But Kvitova goes on to hold with a great first serve to sneak out in front once again - SHARAPOVA 2-2 - A double fault from Sharapova hands Kvitova a 15-30 lead against serve and she even has the chance to earn another break point with a backhand across court that only narrowly drifts wide. But Maria goes on to hold with a clenched fist and a yell of "come on" when a Kvitova forehand sails long - SHARAPOVA 1-2 - Kvitova gets herself out of a spot of bother at deuce with a huge cross court forehand that leaves even Sharapova failing and hitting into the net.

And the Czech player goes on to hold by running round the ball and belting a ferocious forehand winner straight down the line - SHARAPOVA 1-1 - BREAK - An absolutely blistering forehand winner riffled down the line by Kvitova gets the game off to a great start for the Czech and she goes on to break back and get off the mark with another forehand that Sharapova can only return into the net - SHARAPOVA 1-0 - BREAK - The Russian's decision to receive first immediately pays dividends as she earns a break point with a huge forehand that Kvitova can only return short of the net. And Maria does break for the first game with a forehand winner - The players are just about ready to go and it will be Kvitova to get things underway by serving first after Sharapova won the toss and opted to receive first ... - It's a great day at Wimbledon today; sunny, warm, clear blue skies. In short, perfect tennis conditions! - The players are finally walking out on court after a really lengthy wait by the doors for the clock to tick over to 2pm. They came down from the locker room a little early there methinks!

- These two have faced each other just the once before, in Memphis on the hard courts last year, with Sharapova winning that one in straight sets. But, although Kvitova reached the semi-finals at SW19 last year, the Czech player has improved immensely since then - Hello and welcome to LIVE coverage from the women's Wimbledon final between former champion Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova 0 comment Kvitova defeats Sharapova to win Wimbledon crown Kvitova defeats Sharapova to win Wimbledon crown CHRIS LEHOURITES - AP Sports Writer Share View photos Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic holds her trophy aloft after defeating Russia's Maria Sharapova in the ladies' singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Saturday, July 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus) More WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Petra Kvitova won her first Grand Slam title Saturday by defeating Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 at Wimbledon, finishing with an ace and dropping to her knees in disbelief.

Kvitova was playing in her first major final, but it was three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova who showed her nerves. The 2004 Wimbledon winner double-faulted six times, including twice to get broken to 4-2 in the first set. "It was about the serve, for sure, and the return," said Kvitova, who lost in the semifinals last year. "I know that." The 21-year-old Czech is the first left-handed woman to win Wimbledon since Martina Navratilova in 1990. Using a fast and accurate forehand, Kvitova did little wrong on Centre Court as Czech greats Navratilova and Jana Novotna sat in the Royal Box with other former Wimbledon champions. "It's hard to find some words if I'm standing here with the trophy and see the great players in the Royal Box," Kvitova said. "Well, I'm so happy that I won." Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon champion, gave Kvitova two thumbs-up shortly after match point. "A new star," Navratilova said. "It didn't happen overnight, but she's a champion.

It's great." Kvitova (pronounced kuh-VIT-uh-vuh) kept Sharapova on the run with 19 winners, and never seemed to lose confidence despite being broken three times. "She was hitting really powerful and hitting winners from all over the court. She made a defensive shot into an offensive one," Sharapova said. "And, yeah, just kind of laid on a lot of those shots. I think she was just more aggressive than I was, hit deeper and harder, and got the advantage in the points." The magnitude of the day was never lost on Kvitova. "Of course, I was nervous," she said. "I thought I can win Wimbledon. But I had to focus on each point." Sharapova was the clear favorite. Besides winning at the All England Club in 2004, she also won the U.S. Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008. Shoulder surgery in October 2008 slowed her career, but she returned to the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since then at the French Open last month.

"Besides the fact that I lost, I think this is a big step for me, being here in the final," Sharapova said. "(I) feel like I'm improving this year. That gives me a tremendous amount of confidence for the rest of the year." Sharapova had not lost a set heading into the final. But she struggled with her serve in the semifinals, double-faulting 13 times before beating German wild card Sabine Lisicki. Sharapova won the toss at the net before the final and elected to receive, perhaps wanting time to settle in before testing her serve. Whatever the reason, it appeared a smart move because she broke for a 1-0 lead as Kvitova missed three forehands. Sharapova then served for the first time. Although she only had one fault in five attempts, she lost four of the points to make it 1-1. "Maybe I wasn't as ready after the serve as I should have been, and she just got the first good hit," Sharapova said. "I was always kind of late." Sharapova wasted her second chance at a break in the third game.

A few games later, with the score 30-30, she produced her second double-fault of the match. The third came two swings later. Trailing 5-2, Sharapova double-faulted again to open the eighth game. But she did manage to hold and force Kvitova to serve out the set. Kvitova broke Sharapova again in the opening game of the second set, with the Russian double-faulting for the fifth time to give the Czech a break point. The pair twice traded breaks later in the set, but Kvitova held to win the championship dish. "Last year was like I hadn't many chances to win. Serena played so well," Kvitova said, referring to her 2010 semifinal loss to the younger Williams sister. "I was young and I didn't think that I can beat her. Today, I felt that I can." Reblog W5 Team Kvitova wins Wimbledon, claims 1st Grand Slam title Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic holds her trophy after winning the ladies' singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Saturday, July 2, 2011.

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) The Associated Press Published Saturday, July 2, 2011 12:18PM EDT WIMBLEDON, England - Petra Kvitova won her first Grand Slam title Saturday by beating Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 in the Wimbledon final, and then dropped to her knees in disbelief. Kvitova was playing in her first major final, but it was three-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova that showed her nerves. The 2004 Wimbledon champion double-faulted six times, including twice to get broken to 4-2 in the first set. "Unfortunately in tennis there's only one winner at the end of the day and that's what makes this tournament so special," Sharapova said before turning her attention to Kvitova. "So big congratulations on a wonderful victory, you played a wonderful tournament." The 21-year-old Kvitova is the first left-handed woman to win the Wimbledon title since Martina Navratilova in 1990.

Using a fast-paced and well-placed forehand, Kvitova did little wrong on Centre Court as Czech greats Navratilova and Jana Novotna sat in the Royal Box with a host of other former Wimbledon champions. "It's hard to find some words if I'm standing here with the trophy and see the great players in the Royal Box," Kvitova said. "Well, I'm so happy that I won." Kvitova kept Sharapova on the run with 18 winners, and never seemed to lose confidence despite being broken three times. "Of course I was nervous," Kvitova said. "I thought I can win Wimbledon. But I had to focus on each point." Sharapova was the clear favourite entering the match. Besides winning the title at the All England Club in 2004, she also won the U.S. Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008. Shoulder surgery in October 2008 slowed her career, but she returned to the semifinals at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since 2008 at the French Open last month.

"I've had amazing support over so many years and to be back at this stage and holding the runner-up trophy this year is something that -- obviously I would have wanted that big one, it's something I'm going to be back for and I'm hoping to get again," Sharapova said. Sharapova had not lost a set heading into the final. But she struggled with her serve in the semifinals, double-faulting 13 times before beating German wildcard Sabine Lisicki. Sharapova won the toss at the net before the final and elected to receive, perhaps because she wanted some time to get into game action before serving. Whatever the reason, it appeared to be a smart move because she broke for a 1-0 lead as Kvitova missed three forehands. Sharapova's serve was then tested for the first time in the next game, and although she only had one fault in five attempts, she lost four of the points to even the score at 1-1. Sharapova wasted her second chance at a break in the third game, and then gifted a break to Kvitova a few games later.

With the score 30-30, Sharapova produced her second double-fault of the match. The third came two swings later. Trailing 5-2, Sharapova double-faulted again to open the eighth game. But she did manage to hold and force Kvitova to serve out the set. Kvitova broke Sharapova again in the opening game of the second set, with the Russian double-faulting for the fifth time to give the Czech a break point. The pair twice traded breaks later in the set, but Kvitova held to win the championship dish for the first time. Kvitova, Radwanska lay down Wimbledon markers Kvitova, Radwanska lay down Wimbledon markers Tweet Share Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and former finalist Agnieszka Radwanska each made confident starts to their latest campaigns at the All England Club on Wednesday. For the second day in succession, play on the outside courts was disrupted by showers, but 10 competitors in the women's singles draw were able to get victories under their belts.

Tenth seed Kvitova - the winner of this event in 2011 and 2014 - wasted little time after her match with Sorana Cirstea had been delayed, the Czech racing through the first set in just 15 minutes en route to a 6-0 6-4 win. Radwanska, runner-up to Serena Williams four years ago, dropped just three games in a thrashing of Kateryna Kozlova, while there were also straight-sets victories for Belinda Bencic and Johanna Konta, the latter triumphing at SW19 for the first time. Konta, who had resumed on Wednesday holding a one-set lead over Monica Puig, will now face Eugenie Bouchard on Centre Court, after the Canadian also completed her rain-delayed first-round tie. RADWANSKA FACING POTENTIAL EURO WOE After easing into round two, Radwanska - who has now won 22 sets out of 22 in Wimbledon first-round ties - expressed hope that she would not be on court during Poland's European Championship quarter-final with Portugal. "I have watched every game," she said.

"I've been trying to schedule my practices just to watch Poland's matches. I'm cheering them all the time. So I hope I'll finish early on Thursday." However, Radwanska could be in for disappointment following the release of Thursday's order of play. Her second-round tie with Ana Konjuh, who beat Karin Knapp in round one, is the fourth match scheduled to take place on No. 2 Court. KVITOVA CONTENT WITH STRONG START Kvitova fired 20 winners in her victory over Cirstea, while making only eight unforced errors. "Every match is different. Of course, I'm kind of glad how I played, how else everything looked today on the court," she said. BENCIC HAPPY TO BE CENTRE OF ATTENTION There was an unexpected bonus for Swiss teenager Bencic, as her clash with Tsvetana Pironkova was switched to Centre Court late on Wednesday. For a player who grew up watching compatriots Martina Hingis and Roger Federer shine on Wimbledon's biggest stage, the news represented a dream come true. "When I was told I had goosebumps all over my body," revealed Bencic.

"The supervisor came to me and told me I was going to play Centre Court. I was really happy. "I mean, it's basically Roger's court. I feel this is going to be my court hopefully soon." STEPHENS AND WATSON WITH WORK TO DO Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Andrea Petkovic were two other seeds to progress, but Sloane Stephens will return to action on Thursday facing a first-set tie-break in her interrupted match with Peng Shuai. Great Britain's Heather Watson, who could face reigning champion Serena Williams in round three having come agonisingly close to springing a shock at the same stage last year, is a break down at the start of set three against Annika Beck.

Reblog Defending champ Kvitova crashes out of Wimbledon Defending champ Kvitova crashes out of Wimbledon Steven Griffiths Share View photos Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova returns against Serbia's Jelena Jankovic during their women's singles third round match on day six of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 4, 2015 (AFP Photo/Justin Tallis) More London (AFP) - Petra Kvitova 's reign as Wimbledon champion came to a shock end on Saturday as Jelena Jankovic staged a superb fightback to claim a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 third round victory. Kvitova's exit marks the first time since 2009 that the two-time Wimbledon winner has failed to make at least the quarter-finals at the All England Club. Jankovic looked down and out when she trailed by a set and was 4-2 down in the second against the Czech world number two. But the Serbian 28th seed mounted a gutsy recovery and will play former Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska for a place in the quarter-finals. "I'm overwhelmed.

I'm so excited. My heart is still pumping," Jankovic said. "I cannot believe this just happened but this is what this sport is all about. "After I won that second set I knew I had it, I just had to keep going. "In the last couple of years I played so poorly. "But beating her gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the tournament. Now anything can happen." With second seeded Kvitova out, only four of the top 10 seeds are left in the women's draw, providing a major boost to Serena Williams ' bid for a sixth Wimbledon title. The 25-year-old could have no complaints after allowing the match to slip from her grasp with 21 unforced errors, compared to just 11 from Jankovic, who hit 24 winners against only 13 from Kvitova. It was a welcome return to prominence for Jankovic, who was poised to become the sport's next female powerhouse after rising to world number one in 2008 following a US Open final appearance. That run came hot on the heels of last four berths in the Australian and French Opens earlier in 2008.

But those heady days were a distant memory for the 30-year-old, who has plummeted down to 30th in the rankings after failing to make the semi-finals of a Grand Slam since 2010, and losing in the first rounds of the Australian and French Opens this year. - Inspired - Over the last five years, Kvitova had won the title twice, in 2014 and 2011, while also reaching the 2010 semi-finals and twice making the last eight. Kvitova had only dropped three games in her first two matches -- quick-fire wins which took a total of just 93 minutes to complete -- and the Czech didn't take long to reassert her superiority on Centre Court. She broke in the fourth game of the match and, unloading some booming serves, eased through the set in a businesslike 29 minutes. When the Czech broke to love in the third game of the second set, she looked set up wrap up another quick-fire win as she moved 4-2 ahead. But Kvitova's focused approach completely disappeared at that point and Jankovic recovered to level at 4-4.

Spraying unforced errors wildly wide and long, Kvitova started to gesticulate and grumble as her frustration grew. Jankovic was taking full advantage of Kvitova's collapse, cleverly moving her opponent around the court and tempting her into injudicious shots -- such as the rushed forehand into the net that cost her the set at 5-6. Kvitova disappeared off court in a bid to regroup, leaving Jankovic waiting for nearly 10 minutes before returning. But the break did her little good and Jankovic kept up the pressure before securing the decisive break for a famous win in the 10th game. Reblog

Question: What nationality is Petra Kvitova the 2011 Ladies Singles winner at Wimbledon?
Answer: CZECH