Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has made a winning return to professional tennis after a 15-month hiatus, marking her first victory since welcoming her son last year. The 35-year-old defeated Romania\u2019s Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-1 at the Italian Open, reigniting hopes for her career resurgence.
Kvitova, who had struggled with four consecutive losses since her February comeback, described the win as a \u201cmilestone\u201d in her journey as a mother and athlete. \u201cIt feels much better than losing\u2014that\u2019s for sure,\u201d she told the WTA website, acknowledging her historic challenges at the Rome tournament.
The Czech star confessed she nearly retired before her pregnancy. \u201cI was 95% sure I wouldn\u2019t come back,\u201d she revealed, adding that parenthood reshaped her perspective. \u201cAfter returning to the court, I felt joy I hadn\u2019t experienced in years. It\u2019s still there\u2014the love for the game.\u201d
Kvitova\u2019s next opponent, Tunisia\u2019s Ons Jabeur, promises a thrilling test of her renewed form. Analysts will watch closely to see if this victory signals a broader comeback for the former world No. 2.
