Petra Kvitova secured her first title of 2018 with a comprehensive straight sets victory over Kristina Mladenovic in the final of the St. Petersburg Ladies’ Trophy on Sunday.

The Czech ace, who was surprisingly beaten in the first round of last month’s Australian Open, needed just 65 minutes to secure a 6-1 6-2 success against her French opponent, a feat that was made even more impressive as Mladenovic was the defending champion.

Kvitova has now won 21 titles on the WTA Tour and that was her second success since she sustained career-threatening hand injuries after being stabbed by an intruder at her home in December 2016.

The 27-year-old was understandably happy with her latest triumph and she believes it is always important to get a tournament success under your belt during the early part of any given season.

“This was a special tournament for me,” said Kvitova. “All week, I played unbelievable matches and I really had to fight to make the final.”

“It is not easy at the beginning of the year. I had to focus hard for the win.”

Kvitova, who is a two-time Wimbledon champion, will be hoping the victory can kick-start her 2018 season, as she bids to add to her list of Grand Slam titles.

The world number 21’s next chance to win a major will come at the French Open in May and she is priced at 21.00 to claim overall glory at Roland Garros.