With an attacking game perfectly suited for grass, Petra Kvitova makes winning Wimbledon look easy.
In the most lopsided Wimbledon women's final in 22 years, which lasted only 55 minutes, the Czech left-hander overpowered Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-0 yesterday to win her second title at the All England Club.
Dictating pointing with her big serve, aggressive returns and flat groundstrokes, the 2011 Wimbledon champion never let the 20-year-old Canadian – a rising star playing in her first grand slam tournament final – get into the match.
It was a clinical performance of power tennis, with Kvitova ripping baseline winners off both wings and leaving Bouchard looking helpless. Kvitova won the final seven games and finished the rout in style with her 28th winner – a clean cross-court backhand from the back of the court.
Kvitova said she was in the "zone" and surprised even herself on some winning points.
"I mean, a few shots were really incredible and I really couldn't believe that I made it actually," she said. "Maybe it was magic."
Kvitova fell onto her back at the dusty baseline after her final shot flew past Bouchard. Later, she climbed into the stands to embrace her tearful parents and the rest of her team.
The last time a player lost only three games in the Wimbledon final was in 1992, when Steffi Graf beat Monica Seles 6-2, 6-1.
Kvitova's offensive, take-charge style is perfectly suited for the grass of the All England Club. Three years ago, she dropped only seven games in beating Maria Sharapova for the title. Both of her grand slam title finals have been at Wimbledon.
"I can't say that it's more special, but definitely after three years to stand here with the trophy again, it's absolutely amazing," said Kvitova, who will move up to No. 4 in the rankings tomorrow.
"Tennis here is tennis history. The centre court is always great to play on. I feel really like at home on it."
For Bouchard, the first Canadian to reach a grand slam tournament final, it was a humbling defeat.
She is named after Britain's Princess Eugenie, a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and the princess was watching from the front row of the royal box. "I did see her in the box," Bouchard said.
"I'm happy that she came out. Disappointed I couldn't put on a better show for her."
Bouchard, the Wimbledon junior champion two years ago, came into the match with the best record in majors this year – 16-2 – and was the only player to reach at least the semi-finals of the first three grand slam tournaments.
She is taking her heavy defeat as a learning experience.
"It was a big moment walking out onto centre court for a final," said Bouchard, who will break into the top 10 for the first time at No. 7, the highest a Canadian woman has achieved.
"I have that experience now. I know what it feels like. I hope I can walk out to many more finals. That's the goal."
The centre court roof was closed immediately after the match as rain began to fall. The two players left the court while the roof was being shut and returned later for the ceremony.
Bouchard was left to sit in the engraver's room, watching as Kvitova's name was etched into the trophy.
"I was watching them work, wishing one day, dreaming that he'll write my name somewhere," the Canadian said.
Dominant Petra Kvitova wins one-sided Wimbledon ladies final
The Czech player trounces Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-0 in one-sided encounter on Centre Court.
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