By Erik Gudris | Saturday, August 23, 2014
Petra Kvitova wrapped up a stellar week by winning her second New Haven title over Magdalena Rybarikova.
Photo Credit: AP
Petra Kvitova started and ended her week at the Connecticut Open in strong fashion as she claimed her second title at the New Haven based event.
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Standing in her way was surprise finalist Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia who beat Simona Halep earlier in the week to post her best ever career win. That win propelled her into her first ever Premier final.
Yet with this being Kvitova's third straight New Haven final appearance, the momentum was on the recent Wimbledon champion's side right from the start.
Kvitova, who had not dropped a set all week, jumped out to a 5-2 early in the first. Though her opponent would pull to within a game, Kvitova broke serve to take the set 6-4.
Taking hold of another early break, Kvitova would not let up as Rybarikova had few answers for Kvitova's power and placement of shot.
On match point, Kvitova ripped a backhand return winner thus sealing the 6-4, 6-2 victory.
Kvitova hit 31 winners total in the match. New Haven is now her second title this season and 13th overall in her career.
The lefty Czech now enters next week's US Open as the No. 4 seed in the women's draw.
Kvitova later posted this message on Twitter celebrating her title run.