Maria Sharapova of Russia, right, and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic pose for photos after Sharapova won the women’s single final at China Open tennis tournament at the National Tennis Stadium in Beijing, China, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014. AP
BEIJING — Maria Sharapova overcame a fierce challenge from Petra Kvitova on Sunday to win the China Open, her first title since she claimed victory at Roland Garros earlier this year.
It was a battling performance from the Russian world number four, who will rise to number two in the rankings following her hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win in Beijing, Kvitova’s first loss in nine games.
Maria Sharapova of Russia returns a shot against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during the women’s singles final at the China Open tennis tournament in the National Tennis Center of Beijing on October 5, 2014. AFP
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