Kvitova wins Aegon Classic final for 1st title since attack

Kvitova served out for the title in emphatic fashion, to love and ending with an ace, before celebrating, in her typically understated style, with a broad smile.

The seventh-seeded Czech, who started her remarkable comeback at the French Open last month, defeated Barty of Australia 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Whatever happens, Kvitova was already delighted with her progress.

"I think she played very well", Muguruza said of Barty in her post-match press conference. "I am not feeling any pain".

Pushing Kvitova, she got her break on the second try, and always looked to be the aggressor in the first set, serving consistently while Kvitova struggled to find her range and her timing. She underwent almost four hours of surgery on her left hand and forearm, and her left hand is still not fully recovered.

"I think I couldn't have imagined a better comeback, for sure".

Muguruza advanced to a semi-final against Australian Ashleigh Barty, who also had a walkover, with Italian Camila Giorgi retiring with a leg injury in the first set when trailing 5-2. Not getting a first serve in at all in the first game, and barely throughout the first set, it cam as little surprise that the gritty Aussie Ashleigh Barty. I won, but it was a tough match. So I'm happy that I was able to win it anyway', Kvitova added. "So this is quite a dream".

Barty said she was delighted to have won through to the final of the tournament. Barty has a chance to win her second career title and second of the season.

A deep victor down the line from Barty saved it, and an ace gave her a first set point.

Muguruza called for her coach, sought to swing the ball around, and eventually just tried to scrap as best she could.

During last week's event in the Midlands she lost just one set in five matches. But there is a lot of work to do.

Dellacqua took to social media to congratulate Barty on an incredible tournament.

Nonetheless, the 21-year-old Barty is hopeful for a strong showing at the All England Club next week, where she was junior champion in 2011. Saturday June 24, 2017.

Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova, left, withdraws from her match against Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova during their semifinal match at the Birmingham Classic tennis tournament at Edgbaston Priory, Birmingham, England.