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.