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Petra Kvitova Secures First Win Since Maternity Leave at Italian Open

The two-time Wimbledon champion overcame early struggles in her comeback to defeat Irina-Camelia Begu and advance to the second round in Rome.

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. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Mar 5, 2025; Indian Wells, CA, USA;  Petra Kvitova (CZE) reacts after winning a point against Varvara Gracheva (not pictured) in her first round match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Well Tennis Garden. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images/ File Photo
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Overview

  • Petra Kvitova defeated Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Italian Open, marking her first victory since returning from a 15-month maternity break.
  • Kvitova had lost her first four matches after rejoining the WTA Tour in February 2025, following the birth of her son Petr in July 2024.
  • The former world No. 2 admitted she was initially doubtful about returning to professional tennis, estimating a 95% chance she would not come back.
  • Kvitova described experiencing joy and renewed confidence in her game during her comeback, despite ongoing fitness challenges and adjustments to balancing motherhood with tour life.
  • She is set to face Ons Jabeur in the second round, with their head-to-head record standing at 4-2 in Kvitova's favor, though this will be their first meeting on clay.