Powerful Czech rising star Petra Kvitova has downed countrywoman Iveta Benesova 7-5 6-1 to win the Moorilla Hobart International – her first WTA title.
The 18-year-old broke her Fed Cup teammate twice in the first set before powering away from her more experienced friend in the second, heralding the arrival of a new dawn in Czech tennis.
Kvitova and Benesova share coach David Kotyza.
He was not sighted court-side during the match after saying he would not be able to watch if both his players won through to the final.
Kvitova and Benesova are sharing a hotel room in Hobart.
“I don’t know if I can call her a friend anymore,” the gracious Benesova joked with the crowd.
“We are sharing a room but I think I will kick her out tonight.
“It was your choice,” the classy Benesova told her younger rival.
Kvitova could barely stand still with the excitement of her win, or maybe it was the cold, windy conditions.
But she returned Benesova’s kindly verbal serve, generously thanking her opponent.
“I hope we sleep good tonight,” a clearly thrilled Kvitova told the crowd before holding her trophy aloft.
Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta won the doubles title, defeating Ukrainian sisters Alona and Kateryna Bondarenko 6-2 7-6(4).