Kvitova gives Sharapova taste of her own medicine

Rarely in her career has baseline blaster Sharapova been so overpowered on a tennis court but the 2004 champion and former world number one had no answer on Saturday as she was made to look lightweight in a comprehensive 6-3 6-4 defeat.

Sharapova's imposing fiance, NBA player Sasha Vujacic, watched on in her box and there were times when he must have been tempted to run on and protect his future bride from the kind battering she usually inflicts on opponents.

With impeccable timing eighth seed Kvitova saved her one ace for match point but the damage from her wicked left-handed delivery and meaty groundstrokes was already done.

Image: Petra Kvitova, left, of the Czech Republic and Russia's Maria Sharapova hold their trophies after Petra Kvitova defeated Maria Sharapova in the ladies' singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Saturday, July 2, 2011.

Text: Reuters

Images: Ap