Kvitova feels a winner, despite Australian Open pain

Comeback queen Petra Kvitova said she was hurting but still felt like a winner after going down guns blazing against Japan's Naomi Osaka Saturday in an epic clash for the Australian Open crown.

The Czech two-time Wimbledon champion overcame incredible odds to even play tennis again after a knife attack damaged her racquet hand in late 2016.

Doctors had given her only a 10 percent chance of returning to the sport and Kvitova said reaching the final of the season-opening Grand Slam was an achievement in itself.

"It's hurting a lot today, I wanted to win and have the trophy," the 28-year-old said after the 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 defeat.

"But I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it's crazy. I can hardly believe that I just played in a Grand Slam final again.

"I've been through many, many things, not really great ones."

The Czech said she had her chances against Osaka and the 2hr 27min final hinged on a few key moments.

She was unable to convert five break points in the first set ..