Twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova stormed back into the World's top 10 for the first time since being stabbed over a year ago when she beat Spain's Garbine Muguruza in the Qatar Open final on Sunday for her second title of the season.
Coming into the tournament 21st in the WTA rankings, the Czech won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 16 minutes to add to her triumph in St Petersburg earlier this month.
Kvitova was in trouble as she trailed 5-0 in the first set with fourth seed Muguruza looking to snap the Czech's winning streak at 12 matches.
But former world number two Kvitova dug deep to take the contest into a decider and ground out the victory.
Asked how she managed to turn the contest around, Kvitova said: "I have no idea. I just tried... It was a really tough match, a big fight and hopefully the people enjoyed it."
Kvitova was forced to take a break from tennis after being attacked by a knife-wielding intruder at her home in 2016.
She returned to action after surgery on her playing hand last year but fell short of the top 10, ending the season 11th.
"It feels great (to be in the top 10)," Kvitova said.
"I mean, first of all, I think that it feels much better right now because top 10 is the number. Of course, it's such a great achievement to be back there.
"I couldn't really dream about it one year ago when I was in (a) total different position trying to come back and play. And for me, it's something that's amazing.
"I couldn't really wish for more. I played great tennis, St Petersburg and here as well. So that means a lot to me."
Kvitova's return to form will put her back in contention for majors this season.
"That's why I came back, to try to have great results in the grand slams and the big tournaments," she said.
Anderson beats Querrey to win New York Open crown
South African Kevin Anderson put aside memories of his disappointing US Open final when he dominated a third-set tiebreak to win the New York Open with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(1) victory over American Sam Querrey on Sunday.
Anderson collected his fourth career title, his first as a top seed, and is expected to improve to ninth in the world rankings on Monday.
After a third set that went to serve, Anderson unleashed his 16th ace in the second point of the tiebreak and never looked back before he achieved victory with a crosscourt winner at the Nassau Coliseum.
"We first played each other 11 years ago. We always have close matches," Anderson said after bringing his career head-to-head record against Querrey to 8-8.
"I've been in quite a few finals," Anderson continued.
"It really means a lot to me to get through today."
The Florida-based 31-year-old has been in 15 career finals but won just four. His most significant finals loss came last September some 25 kilometres (16 miles) away at Flushing Meadows when he was beaten by Rafa Nada at the US Open.
"One of the big goals I had for this year was to try to be a bit more successful in that final stage," Anderson said.
"It feels great to come through and get today's win. It gives me a lot of confidence for the year."
Yuki jumps 11 places to 101 in ATP singles rankings
Yuki Bhambri today jumped 11 places to stand just outside the top-100 bracket in the men's singles rankings, following his runner-up finish at the Chennai Open Challenger tournament.
Bhambri had squandered a match point against Australia's Jordon Thompson to settle for 48 ranking points and $ 4240 in prize money.
With this jump, Yuki is now ranked 101 and is followed by Ramkumar Ramanathanm (140, +1), Sumit Nagal (216, +1) and left-hander Prajnesh Gunseswaran (242, -1).
Yuki had achieved his career-best rank of 88 in November 2015.
In the doubles category, Rohan Bopanna (20) and Divij Sharan (42) were unchanged but Leander Paes lost two spots to be placed 49. He was followed by his partner Purav Raja (57).
In the WTA rankings, Ankita Raina continues to be India's number one singles players at number 255, a loss of two places, and was followed by Karman Kaur Thandi (281, -3).
In doubles, out of action Sania Mirza was unchanged at number 14 in the world.
