Petra Kvitova described her first title win of 2018 as 'special' as she defeated Kristina Mladenovic in the St Petersburg Open final.
Kvitova enjoys 'special' win
The 27-year-old Czech, who has won at Wimbledon on two occasions during her career, bounced back from a disappointing first-round exit at the recent Australian Open by needing just 65 minutes to defeat her French opponent and defending champion 6-1 6-2 in Russia on Sunday.
A 21st WTA title win and first since last June's Aegon Classic will move Kvitova back up to 21st position in the world rankings and has left her in a positive mood looking ahead to the rest of the campaign.
Kvitova, who has recovered well from the career-threatening hand injuries she sustained after being stabbed by an intruder at her home just before Christmas in 2016, said: 'This was a special tournament for me.
'All week, I played unbelievable matches and I really had to fight to make the final,' she added.
'It is not easy at the beginning of the year. I had to focus hard for the win.'
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