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15 - 23 June 2019

Nature Valley Classic

Edgbaston Priory Club

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Nature Valley Classic: Kvitova crowned Birmingham champion

  • 2019 WTA Premier logo
  • 24/06/2018

  • Major Events

Petra Kvitova became the first player in thirteen years to successfully defend the Nature Valley Classic title with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over Magdalena Rybarikova in a compelling final at the Edgbaston Priory Club.

The victory is Kvitova’s fifth WTA title of 2018 and provides her with the perfect preparation for Wimbledon. 

“I didn't expect to come here and win the title,” said the Czech, whose run of matches this week included an opening round victory over British No.1 Johanna Konta. “For me I'm surprised. But on the other hand, I felt good on the court from the first rounds. Meeting Jo in the first round wasn't an easy draw. That match told me I could play well on the grass again. I was just keeping up the good performance on it. I think today was a great final to fight. We played over two hours, so it was a great final to watch I think - I hope!”

Rybarikova started brightly, with Kvitova showing more nerves than the Slovak in the early stages. Rybarikova, herself a champion here in 2009, stormed to an opening set lead before Kvitova began to show the ferocious grass-court tennis that she is capable of. 

Maria Sharapova is the last woman to successfully defend the title in Birmingham, having won in 2004 and 2005. Only three other players - Bille Jean King, Pam Shriver and Lori McNeil have lifted the famous Maud Watson Trophy in consecutive years. 

“I think it was at the end a good match, maybe cruel the result,” said Rybarikova. “She put on so much pressure. She's a great player, amazing on grass. That's why she won the tournament!"

This year’s tournament enjoyed record sales, thanks to one of the strongest player draws in its history and a week of good weather, including a sun-soaked final day. 

The crowd was also treated to an exciting, high quality doubles final, with Australian Open champions Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos winning the title via a nail-biting match tiebreaker over Belgians Elise Mertens and Demi Schuurs. 

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Get ahead of the game and secure your seat for next year! Tickets for the 2019 Nature Valley Classic are on-sale now and can be purchased online

Kvitova and Rybarikova will both head to Eastbourne for the Nature Valley International - keep up-to-date by following daily round-ups on the British Tennis website and check out all the latest news and behind-the-scenes footage on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.