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2mo ago

Petra Kvitova Falls in Indian Wells Opener After Maternity Leave

The two-time Wimbledon champion continues her search for a first win since returning to professional tennis following the birth of her first child.

Mar 5, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Petra Kvitova (CZE) hits a shot against Varvara Gracheva (not pictured) in her first round match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Vavara Gracheva (FRA) hits a shot as she defeats Petra Kvitova (not pictured) in her first round match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Varvara Gracheva of France serves on the way to a first-round victory over Czech Petra Kvitova at the Indian Wells hard court ATP and WTA tennis tournament

Overview

  • Petra Kvitova lost a three-set opening-round match to France's Varvara Gracheva at the Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
  • This marks Kvitova's second consecutive first-round loss since returning to the tour after a 16-month maternity leave following the birth of her son in July 2024.
  • Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, showed resilience by taking the first set and briefly leading in the third before Gracheva regained control to secure the win.
  • Gracheva praised Kvitova for balancing motherhood and professional tennis, calling her comeback an inspiration for athletes and women worldwide.
  • Gracheva advances to face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the second round, while other notable matches included Caroline Garcia setting up a clash with defending champion Iga Swiatek.