Miami Open 2023: Vintage Kvitova conquers Rybakina to claim ninth WTA 1000 title

Petra Kvitova produced a remarkable performance in the Miami Open final, defeating Indian Wells champion Elena Rybakina 7-6(14), 6-2 to claim her first Miami Open title.

By winning the title, it is the 35-year-old's 30th career singles title and ninth WTA 1000 title, while Rybakina lost the rare chance of winning the Sunshine Double.

Kvitova now has her biggest title in five years and will claim a top 10 spot on Monday.

Kvitova had the first break of the match, then served for the first set at 5-4. Rybakina broke right back, leading to an opening set tiebreak.

The tiebreak had different set points, and in a dramatic turn of points at 12-12, then 14-14, and on her fifth set point, Kvitova won the first set 7-6(14). The first set lasted 66 minutes.

Kvitova built on her winning form in the second set, as she broke in Rybakina's service game to lead 2-0. Rybakina saved a break point and held to get on board in the second set.

In a turn of events, Kvitova held for 5-2 and closed the game for 6-2. Her victory means she has equalled Simona Halep as the third player with the most WTA-1000 titles (nine), only Serena Williams (13) and Victoria Azarenka (10) have more - since 2009.

“I want to congratulate Petra for a great two weeks. Good luck for the rest of the year. Thank you for an incredible atmosphere these four weeks. It was really tough, so I’m happy with the result, super proud of myself and team. We keep on going.”

Kvitova also had some kind words for Rybakina, congratulating her for an amazing year.

“First I have to congratulate Elena. Not just for those two weeks, but the whole year. You’re playing amazing. You have a great serve. I’m really happy I could share the court with you again. Well done to your team as well.”

Rybakina has so much to be proud of, becoming the first woman to reach the final of Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami since Maria Sharapova.

She is also the first Kazakh to reach Miami final, and will attain a career high ranking of No.6 on Monday.