It had been just minutes after the conclusion of the Australian Open final that we were reminded of the brutal fall and rapid revival of the formidable Petra Kvitova.
Taking on the fearless Naomi Osaka in her first major final since the 2014 Wimbledon Championships, the Czech was edged out in a three-set thriller. Afterwards a teary Kvitova said to her team during the trophy presentation ‘thanks for sticking with me, even if we didn’t know if I would be able to hold a racket again.’
The heartfelt words were in reference to an incident during December 2016 that almost ended her career for good. Staying in her apartment, she was involved in a tussle with an intruder who posed as a maintenance man. Armed with a knife, the attacker ended up slashing Kvitova’s left hand, damaging the nerves and tendons in it. As well as the mental implications, four hours of surgery and five months of rehabilitation followed. Not a bad outcome for Kvitova, who was originally warned that she may never be able to play again due to the damaged caused.
“I wanted to win and have the trophy. But I think I already won two years ago.” Kvitova said during her press conference. “So for me, it’s amazing. I think I still don’t really realize that I played the (Australian Open) final.
“I’ve been through many, many things, not really great ones. I didn’t know if I was going to hold the racquet again. I’m holding it, so that’s good.”
Petra Kvitova's hand before and after operation! 😲 pic.twitter.com/ensDJVkZwH
— mytennisdailypicks (@bestennispicks) August 28, 2017
Against the odds, the 28-year-old returned to action with a win over Julia Boserup in the first round of the 2017 French Open. Watching in the crowd was her team wearing t-shirts with the words ‘Courage, Belief, Pojd (‘Come on’ in Czech).’ Kvitova has stayed true to those words throughout her comeback. A period she describes as her ‘second career.’ In 2018 she became the only player on the WTA Tour to claim five singles titles. During that season, she also produced seven wins over top 10 players. Something she last achieved in 2013. As for the first month of 2019, Kvitova won her 26th career title in Sydney and finished runner-up in Melbourne.
“You know how the women’s tennis is. Everybody can just beat anyone, which it’s good and it’s bad on the other side.” She explains. “That’s the tennis. It’s beautiful sport. I’m happy to be playing it. Hopefully the downs will be less than the ups.”
“I think I have already done much better than the last year. It’s just the first month of the year, so it’s great.”
One of the most striking aspect of Kvitova is her popularity in the sport among both players and journalists. At the time of her attack, there was an outpouring of well wishes for her. Even those who hadn’t played her in the past was in admiration of her. As the case was for Osaka, who faced Kvitova for the first time in Melbourne.
“I’ve always wanted to play you, you have been through so much and honestly, I would have not wanted this to be out first match-up.” The new Australian Open champion said in a tribute to Kvitova.
“You’re really amazing and I’m honoured to have played you in a grand slam.”
According to Osaka, Kvitova’s tennis has earned her respect on the tour. Dismissing the idea that her popularity may only be due to sympathy.
“Everyone that sort of listens or watches the tennis world, you always hear about how when she is on, she’s pretty much unbeatable. The score lines seem to prove that point, too.” The new world No.1 said of Kvitova.
After being within a whisker on the Australian Open trophy, Kvitova’s hunger for success in the majors has intensified. A warning for her others rivals on the tour. She has now played in 42 grand slam main draws, making her debut back at the 2008 French Open.
“I want to be back stronger, that’s for sure. I was pretty close, but pretty far (to the title).” She said. “So I need one more step to hold it. I think in a couple weeks I am going to be back and play and work and whatever it takes, I am going to do that.”
Inevitably disappointment will be the dominant factor for Kvitova over the coming days. What if she converted one of her five break points in the first set? What if she didn’t drop serve early on in the decider? Nevertheless, looking at the wider picture Kvitova’s resurgence over the past 18 months is an inspiration for many others to follow.
This is why Petra Kvitova is a Loser in Melbourne, but a winner is many other ways.
Thank you to my team for being with me every step of the way.
It hurts right now but we have been through much tougher things together…and look at this beautiful trophy ❤️ #ausopen pic.twitter.com/L8gRHWeDD8
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) January 26, 2019
