WASHINGTON, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Three-time champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic defeated former world No.2 and 2016 champion Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland 6-1, 7-6(3) in the first round of the Connecticut Open on Monday.

Kvitova, two-time Wimbledon winner, has lifted the trophy three times in the event held in New Haven, and kicked off her quest for a fourth title in emphatic fashion, surviving her longtime rival in one hour in 28 minutes.

The two were facing off for the 13th time and Kvitova won their most recent encounter at the Qatar Open this season.