Kvitova 2011 Wimbledon Champ; Bryans Win Doubles

Shy Czech lefty Petra Kvitova is the 2011 Wimbledon women’s champion.
ADHEREL
Last year’s semifinalist out-hit former champ Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to claim her first Grand Slam title in her first Slam final.

The 21-year-old Czech delivered her lone ace of the match to clinch the title on match point.

“It’s hard to find words standing here with the trophy and seeing all of the great players in the Royal Box,” Kvitova told Sue Barker on court. “I was nervous, because I thought I could win Wimbledon, but I just focused on each point.”

She is the first lefty to win Wimbledon since Czech-born American Martina Navratilova in 1990.

Last year Kvitova lost in the semis to Serena Williams.

“Last year I didn’t have many chances to win,” Kvitova said. “Serena played so well. I was young and didn’t think I could beat her. I don’t know what was different, because today I felt I could win.”

Sharapova fell to 3-2 in Slam finals.

In the men’s doubles final the world No. 1 pair of Bob and Mike Bryan equaled Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde’s Open Era record of 11 Grand Slam team titles, defeating 2010 runners-up Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(2).

The Bryans improved to 2-3 in finals at the All England Club.

“This is as special as it gets,” said Mike Bryan. “I always thought we’d play our best at Wimbledon, and we’ve lost three heartbreaking finals. To get on that board again, to have two Wimbledon titles, is really special. And then to equal the Woodies, a team that we idolized, the greatest team in our mind, is unbelievable. We’d love to try to get to 12 and do that at the US Open.”

Bob Bryan added, “It’s an honor. We just got to let it seep in a little bit. Every Slam we give a hundred percent. We’re happy with what we’ve done. We’re not content or satisfied. But we have smiles on our faces when we walk by our trophy case in the morning. How this career has gone has been a storybook for us.”

The Bryans also won the Australian Open title in January. It was the 73rd team title for the 33-year-old Bryans, also the all-time record.