Maria Sharapova outlasted Petra Kvitova 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to win the China Open on Sunday and return to No. 2 in the rankings.
The fourth-seeded Sharapova won her fourth title of the year and first since capturing her fifth Grand Slam title at the French Open in June.
With the win, she’ll jump over Simona Halep and Kvitova to the No. 2 spot in the rankings, behind Serena Williams. Just five months ago, the Russian was one defeat away from dropping out of the top 10 for the first time since 2011.
Kvitova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, fell short of earning her second title in as many weeks. She beat Eugenie Bouchard to win the Wuhan Open last week.
