If proof were ever needed that nice girls can indeed finish first then it comes in the shape of Petra Kvitova.

In a sport where the margins between winning and losing are invariably razor-thin, sportsmanship is often little more than an afterthought. And while the old adage that there are no friends at the top may ring true for some, two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova is happy to buck the trend.

The Czech was once again among the standout performers on tour in 2015, winning tournaments in Sydney, Madrid and New Haven as well as reaching the final of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

However, for all her success, Kvitova remains as charming and grounded off the court as she is intense on it. Never shy of doffing her proverbial cap to an opponent in the heat of battle or in the interview room afterwards, the 25-year-old is universally loved by her peers.

Unsurprisingly, this attitude has seen her awarded the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award for the second year in a row. Ever the gracious winner, Kvitova immediately headed to social media to offer her gratitude.  

“I am so excited to receive the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award for a second year,” Kvitova said. “Respecting my opponent has always been important to me, because without an opponent we can’t play this beautiful game. It’s an honor to be recognized by my fellow players so thank you to all of them for voting!”

Kvitova’s Twitter feed is awash with fellow players throughout the season, and it is no surprise that she is the lynchpin of Petr Pala’s all-conquering Czech Fed Cup side.

Having spearheaded the Czechs to their fourth Fed Cup crown in five years in November, Kvitova is already limbering up for the new campaign, which will begin with the defense of her Apia International Sydney title.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back,” she said of her Sydney return. “It was a great week last year and a good preparation for the Australian Open. It’s a beautiful city, I really love Australia. The people are nice and smiling all the time, it’s nice to meet them.”

Before the draw 🙂 I am playing first tomorrow / Pred losem 🙂 zitra zacinam #pojd Czech Fed Cup Team pic.twitter.com/suIGP1qkpo

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) November 13, 2015