Petra Kvitova set to return after 17-month break because of 'love' for tennis

Two-time Grand Slam winner Petra Kvitova has revealed an interesting reason to return to the court. The 34-year-old is set to make a return to professional tennis after a gap of nearly 18 months. Her last appearance was in the China Open in 2023 where she lost to Liudmila Samsonova in the round of 32 in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 7-5.

Kvitova recently spoke to the WTA ahead of her much-awaited return. The Bilovec-born star stated that she is only returning to professional tennis because she loves the sport. She also stated that she is not expecting anything, knowing fully well that she is on the wrong side of 30.

Read also

(VIDEO) Iga Swiatek ignores her coach after loss to Mirra Andreeva

“I don’t expect anything, basically,” she said. “I’m here -- that’s already a big deal for me. Sometimes I’m really surprised by myself. Like, why I did it [the comeback]? But I think I would have regretted it if I didn’t come back I’m not putting any goals on myself, I will never play as good as I was playing when I was winning tournaments. Yeah, we’ll see. I want to enjoy myself playing tennis, and I think it will take time. I tried to explain to everybody that I came back because I love it. I miss tennis, I love tennis itself since I was four. So I think the love for the sport took me back to tennis. I missed the hard work, the sweat, that’s why I’m here. I don’t know for how long, or how long I’m going to enjoy it or how my body’s going to feel. I think it will be very tough in the beginning. But we’ll see how I manage everything. We’ll see how it goes.”

Read also

Emma Raducanu shaken after spotting stalker in Dubai crowd: “I’m proud of how I came back”

Kvitova’s first appearance on her return will be in the ATX Austing Open where she will face Britain’s Jodie Anna Burrage in the round of 32.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe