A second round defeat for a seeded player is normally one of disappointment, but not when that player has gone through what Petra Kvitova has.
The week marked the her first appearance in a WTA tournament since November after being injured in a knife attack. Towards the end of 2016, the two-time Wimbledon champion required four hours of surgery on her left hand and was once warned by doctors that she may never play again. Fortunately, with the help of an extensive rehab programme, Kvitova has managed to return to the tour.
Trying to follow up on her emphatic first round win at the French Open. Kvitova crashed out 7-6(5), 7-6(5), to Bethanie Mattek-Sands in a 128-minute roller-coaster encounter on Wednesday. The outcome may not of been what she may have wanted, but there are a lot of positives to draw from it.
“I have to say that I’m kind of surprised how I played, even I lost. I think it was a good fight, and I think in the tiebreak I showed that I don’t really have matches under my belt.” Said Kvitova.
“I didn’t really have time to prepare or practice as much as I wanted, but I feel good. I’m happy that I’m back.”
The last-minute decision to play at Roland Garros was one that was well received by both fans and players with an outpouring of welcome back messages. Even when she walked towards the net to shake hands with Mattek-Sands, she was praised by the American.
“She said It’s nice that she’s seeing me back on the court and I’m playing well after that time off. She just wished me good luck, and I did the same to her.” Kvitova recounted.
Wimbledon awaits
Now back on the tour, the work is only just starting. Fittingly describing her French Open exit as a ‘end of a fairytale,’ Kvitova has already cast her eyes upon the grass season. Due to the lack of match play, a third title at SW19 is not the main priority. Then again, it is a possibility given the openness of the women’s tour.
“The mission is completed, which I’m very happy for that, and I’m happy that this all ended. I just will focus now for grass and for the tennis again.”
Once described as a player with ‘power everywhere’ by Martina Navratilova, Kvitova’s love for the grass has blossomed throughout her career. At Wimbledon she has a winning rate of 81% (29-7), her best out of the four grand slam tournaments.
“To be on the grass again, it will be amazing for me. I’m glad that it wasn’t taken away from me to be there one more time, at least. I will enjoy it much more than the other years.” She said.
Leading up to the third major of 2017, it is unclear as to what Kvitova’s plans are. There is however one certainty. The darling of Czech tennis is on her way back to doing what she does best – triumphing on the main stages of the tennis world.
