Former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has marked a triumphant return to professional tennis, securing her first victory since coming back from maternity leave at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2025 in Rome.
Kvitova’s Emotional Comeback
- The Czech tennis star defeated Irina-Camelia Begu in straight sets, 7-5, 6-1, showcasing her signature powerful strokes and resilience on court.
- Reflecting on her return, Kvitova admitted, “I was 95% sure that I would never come back,” recalling her last tournament in Beijing 2023 before stepping away from the sport to start a family.
- After giving birth to her son Petr in July 2024, Kvitova initially doubted her ability to return but found renewed joy in playing tennis, which ultimately fueled her comeback.
Struggles & Determination
- Kvitova faced four consecutive losses in her initial tournaments post-return, falling to Jodie Burrage, Varvara Gracheva, Sofia Kenin, and Katie Volynets.
- Despite the setbacks, she remained determined, stating, “When I finally played again after pregnancy, it felt so good. Every shot I hit smoothly, I was like, ‘Wow, it’s still there.’”
- Her victory against Begu was highlighted by a spectacular backhand down the line, proving that her shot-making ability remains intact.
Future Prospects
- Kvitova is set to face Ons Jabeur in the next round, aiming to build momentum in her comeback journey.
- While she acknowledges that she is not yet at peak fitness, her passion for the sport and competitive spirit remain strong.
