Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia staged a dramatic comeback to defeat two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 on Monday, marking a historic opening day for the revived WTA 500 event at London's Queen's Club. The tournament, hosting top-tier women's tennis for the first time in 52 years, drew crowds to the newly named Andy Murray Lawn Tennis Centre.
Kvitova, playing her first grass-court season since returning from a 17-month maternity break, initially dominated with her signature power. However, world No. 22 Haddad Maia adapted to the surface, breaking early in the decisive third set to secure victory. "It's a privilege to play someone like Petra here," said the Brazilian, who next faces American third seed Emma Navarro.
The event saw other notable results: German qualifier Tatjana Maria eliminated 2021 U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, while Russia's Anastasia Zakharova ousted 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic. All eyes now turn to Tuesday's schedule featuring British favorite Emma Raducanu and reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
