Kvitova wins Madrid final

MADRID (AP):

Petra Kvitova eased to her second Madrid Open title when she beat an unwell Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1, 6-2 in the final yesterday.

A day after ending Serena Williams' unbeaten start to the year, Kvitova's powerful groundstrokes and fitness overwhelmed her Russian rival to add the championship to her 2011 victory.

"It was an amazing week for me, and I'm really happy to stand here for the second time, in this beautiful court," Kvitova said after her 16th career WTA title.

Kuznetsova looked off colour, called for a physiotherapist twice, and was visited by the tournament doctor. Just before the final game, she was allowed by the chair umpire to go to the dressing room.

At the award presentation Kuznetsova, who took out defending champion Maria Sharapova the day before, apologised in Spanish to the spectators that she had not been able to play a good match.

"I'm sorry the level wasn't very high, but I promise to come next year and play better," said Kuznetsova, raising a cheer.

On the men's side, Rafael Nadal reached his seventh final at the Madrid Open by defeating Tomas Berdych 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Yet to drop a set this week, Nadal will face 2008 champion Andy Murray, who eliminated last year's finalist, Kei Nishikori, 6-3, 6-4.

Nadal has won the last two Madrid Opens and will attempt to win his fifth overall.