Anticipation had been high for a repeat of the 2011 Wimbledon final, which Kvitova won to seal her first grand slam success
There was a different outcome on Sunday as Sharapova's experience told, the five-time grand slam winner completing a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 win.
She did not make the ideal start as Kvitova gained the early initiative with an immediate break.
Yet Sharapova responded impressively, levelling at 3-3 before taking a 6-4 opening-set success.
The nip-and-tuck nature of the contest continued into the next, Kvitova taking games on her opponent's serve three times to level matters.
However, Sharapova - who had won five of their previous seven meetings heading into this clash - again found the perfect riposte.
She delivered a seemingly crucial break in the second game, although Kvitova hit back with one of her own to leave the score beautifully poised at 2-3.
But the world number three failed to follow that up on serve, Sharapova decisively taking the next game.
The Russian, ranked fourth in the world, would seal the deal thereafter, ending Kvitova's dogged resistance to lift the trophy.