Kvitova demolishes Muguruza to win second Qatar Open title

 

Petra Kvitova thrashed Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-1 to win her second Qatar Open title on Saturday

The fourth-seeded Czech needed just over an hour to see off her fellow two-time Grand Slam winner.

It was Kvitova’s 28th career title from 38 finals played.

“It’s been a great run – tough conditions,” said Kvitova after her victory. It followed her Doha title of 2018, which also came at the expense of Muguruza.

“I’m sorry for the second time, I hope we can meet somewhere else,” she added, nodding towards her vanquished rival.

Kvitova has won 20 career matches in Doha, the most of any player, passing Svetlana Kuznetsova and Caroline Wozniacki on 19.

Muguruza said that “every day is a new match, congrats to Petra with all the conditions – and for a second time she took the title away from me”.

“I can’t wait to come back next year,” added the Spaniard who has lost five times in a row to Kvitova.

Two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova served first and went ahead, contending with the blustery conditions that shaped her hard-fought semi-final clash with American Jessica Pegula.

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Muguruza had the benefit of a full rest day on Friday as her semi-final opponent Victoria Azarenka withdrew due to a back injury giving her a walkover into the final.

She has, however, had to contend with remote coaching after Conchita Martinez tested positive for coronavirus on arrival in Doha and has been undertaking her duties by Zoom.

Kvitova clearly relished the chance of another Qatar Open title, the third time she has contested the tournament, saying afterwards that “it feels like home a little bit”.