Petra Kvitova, 21, of the Czech Republic defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets Saturday to win the ladies' championship at Wimbledon.
It is the first Grand Slam title for Kvitova and fourth tournament win of the year. She won 6-3, 6-4 on the famed grass Centre court.
Kvitova became the first Czech woman to win Wimbledon since Jana Novotna in 1998 and first left- handed woman to capture the crown since another Czech, Martina Navratilova won her record ninth title in 1990.
Maria Sharapova of Russia (L) and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic pose for a photograph before their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersPetra Kvitova of the Czech Republic serves to Maria Sharapova of Russia during their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersMaria Sharapova of Russia hits a return to Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersPetra Kvitova of the Czech Republic celebrates after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia in their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersPetra Kvitova of the Czech Republic celebrates after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia in their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersPetra Kvitova of the Czech Republic (R) kisses Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.ReutersPetra Kvitova of the Czech Republic celebrates after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia in their final match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London July 2, 2011.Reuters
