Petra Kvitova’s joy as she defends her Birmingham title

The double Wimbledon champion had reached the final without dropping a set but was made to work by the Slovakian, who won the Birmingham title in 2009. But after dropping a tight opening set, Kvitova turned on the style to record a 4-6 6-1 6-2 victory in just over two hours.

Like Kvitova, Rybarikova has fine grass-court pedigree having reached last year’s Wimbledon semi-finals, and it showed in the opener as she seized the advantage.

Rybarikova twice broke the Kvitova serve in the opening set and looked a strong candidate to claim the fourth WTA tour title of her career.

But Kvitova proved a different proposition for the remainder of the match, breaking twice in the second set whilst only having to save a single break point against her serve.

And despite being broken in the decider, Kvitova responded by breaking Rybarikova three more times to wrap up what ultimately proved to be a convincing win.

“I didn’t expect to come here and win the title,” said Kvitova, who’s run of matches this week included a first round win over British No 1 Johanna Konta.

“For me, I’m surprised. But on the other hand, I felt good on the court from the first rounds. Meeting Jo in the first round wasn’t an easy draw. “That match told me I could play well on the grass again. I was just keeping up the good performance on it.

“I think today was a great final to kind of fight.

“We played over two hours, so it was a great final to watch I think, I hope.”

Rybarikova started brightly, with Kvitova showing more nerves than the Slovak in the early stages.

Rybarikova stormed to a first set lead before Kvitova began to show the ferocious grass-court tennis that she is capable of.

The champion added: “She’s a tricky player, so it’s always time to get used to. She has a little bit different serve as well. We practiced one day here, one day before the tournament.

“I needed a little bit of time to get used to spins and slices and volleys and whatever she plays just starting a game. I needed some time.”

Maria Sharapova is the last woman to successfully defend the title in Birmingham, having won in 2004 and 2005. Only three other players – Bille Jean King, Pam Shriver and Lori McNeil – have lifted the famous Maud Watson Trophy in consecutive years.

“I think it was at the end a good match, maybe cruel the result,” said Rybarikova.

“She put so much pressure. She’s a great player, amazing on grass. That’s why she won the tournament.”

This year’s tournament enjoyed record sales, thanks to one of the strongest player draws in its history and a week of good weather, including a sun-soaked final day.