Qualifier Garcia upends Kvitova in Cincinnati

Caroline Garcia belied her status as a qualifier at the Cincinnati Masters on Sunday with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-4 defeat of Petra Kvitova to win the 10th title of her career.

The No. 35 who leads the WTA with 27 match wins since June, slammed down her 11th ace for a match point and took the trophy a point later from her opponent’s return long.

The 96-minute victory denied double Wimbledon winner Kvitova a 30th career title as she played in her 40th final.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m standing here,” the winner said. “It’s been such a crazy week.

“Huge congrats to Petra, one of the nicest girls on the Tour. “

Garcia now owns three Masters 1000 honours after completing a Chinese double five years ago in Wuhan and Beijing in back-to-back weeks.

Kvitova was treated off-court for an apparent leg problem in the second set.

“It was a tough week but a beautiful one for me,” the 32-year-old Czech said. “I’m happy to be here. I’ve played 11 times and I finally reached the final.”

Garcia saved all eight break points she faced while breaking Kvitova three times.

Main photo:- Caroline Garcia with Cincinnati trophy ©WTATennis.com