Last year at this time, 20-year old Petra Kvitova established herself as a potential top five player and a probable Grand Slam champion with her appearance in the semis at the All England Club. One year later and one year wiser, Petra Kvitova pulled it off against a seasoned champion with the competitive heart of a lion.

PetraKvitova With Wimbledon 2011 Trophy

Prior to the match analysts stressed the importance of Kvitova establishing herself early in the match. If she were to lose the first set, she would never comeback against a hungry former world number one. If she won the first set, Kvitova had best be ready for a hard charge from the Russian.

For months, Martina Navratilova has been pushing her your protégé to the forefront. Kvitova is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Wimbledon marks her fourth title this year and her first Grand Slam title.

The 5’11” powerful Czech’s win over Sharapova in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 is impressive in more ways than one. Behind the scenes, there are doubts about today’s rankings. Would Caroline Wozniacki be number one if the William’s sisters played their way back? How would the rankings be affected by the return of a healthy Kim Clijsters? Can the special group of 21-year olds take a stand against more senior and proven players?

Petra Kavitova - Wimbledon 2011 Winner

Petra Kvitova answered many of these questions on Saturday. The Czech seemed at peace with herself and with her game. She struggled to hold her serve in her first service game of the first set. After that hold, she played like a champion.

For fans who came to see the women play out long rallies, this was not that kind of match. This was serve and go-for-it tennis. Petra always seemed to be ready to step into the court and come forward. Sharapova was pushed further and further behind the baseline as Kvitova’s forehand kept landing near or on the baseline.

Kvitova had won her first four matches in straight sets, but was pushed to three sets in the quarters and the semis. Sharapova had moved through the draw with championship caliber play and had not lost a set until the finals.

In the 85-minute match, Sharapova had 10 winners to Kvitova’s 19. Sharapova converted 3 of 5 opportunities but Petra converted 5 of 9. Kvitova only landed 66 percent of her first serves compared to Sharapova’s 76 percent. Maria was only able to win 58 percent of those serves while Petra won 73 percent of first serves. Maria had 6 double faults to 4 by Petra.

In the closely contested second set, both players broke twice. As soon as Maria gained a break, Petra answered with a break of her won. The Czech gained the upper hand with a shortbread in game seven. Both players held serve to put the match on Kvitova’s racquet.

Was she nervous serving for the trophy? She crushed a forehand down the line for a winner. Next, she drove a powerful backhand down the line to go up 30-0. Sharapova netted an attempted return. At 40-0, Petra Kvitova registered her fist ace of the match going down the inside tee for her fist Grand Slam.

Not only did Kvitova claim the championship, but she is about to become the center of much media attention. He looks up to the task.

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