Few will dispute that the feel good story on the first day of the French Open was Petra Kvitova’s straight set win over America’s Julia Boserup.
Playing her first match since November after suffering a hand injury following a knife attack in her home country, the emotion on Kvitova’s face was evident. The feeling was one of true desire and passion to succeed, illustrated by her 31 winners in the match. Kvitova’s inspiration was reflected by her camp, who wore t-shirts with the words “Courage. Belief. Pojd.” Pojd is a Czech version of Vamos.
“It was nice and really heart-warming welcome in the Chatrier. My team was there. My family was there. Everyone who helped me through the difficult time. So it was a real pleasure to play in front of them and play how I played.” The two-time Wimbledon champion said about her comeback experience on Sunday.
Kvitova’s return is one that has been praised by fellow players on the tour. She has earned a reputation of being one of the most liked and respected players in the world of tennis. Her outgoing personality and tenacity on the court has contributed towards her popularity. It is for this reason, why Kvitova’s rivals are more delighted than worried about her impressive return.
“It’s great to have her back. You don’t imagine in life that you’re going to go through that. I don’t think you wake up and realize that’s going to happen.” Said former world No.1 Venus Williams.
“I’m very happy that she’s had a winning return.”
A truly amazing person
Olympic champion Monica Puig also hailed the return of the Czech player. Shortly after her 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, win over Roberta Vinci, the Puerto Rican described Kvitova as ‘a truly amazing person.’ The two have played each other twice on the tour in 2016 with Puig prevailing on both occasions.
“ I’m really happy for her and I’m glad to see all of the players giving her a warm welcome back because she deserves it and she’s such a great champion and a truly amazing person off the court.” Explained Puig.
Former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, who trails 2-4 in her head-to-head against Kvitova, greeted their Czech with a hug in Roland Garros on Sunday. Like Kvitova, 31-year-old Kuznetsova has blossomed into a highly likeable character on the women’s tour.
“It’s great and she’s looking happy. I’m more than happy she’s back.” She said.
Grand slam tennis is known by many as a dog-eat-dog world with players focusing solely on their home game. It is rare that one player’s win can unite an entire draw. This alone illustrated Kvitova’s power and importance within the WTA Tour.
Kvitova will play Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round at Roland Garros.
