Petra Kvitova once again struggled with her rhythm, falling to Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 3-6, 4-6. The unforced errors took their toll on the two-time Grand Slam champion, who now faces her second consecutive defeat since returning after a year-long maternity break.
The Frenchwoman didn’t have her best match but was helped by Kvitova’s mistakes and her still-imperfect serving. World No. 70 Gracheva advances to the second round and will face ninth-seeded teenager Mirra Andreeva.
Read also
First Set
The lack of rhythm was evident when, in the first game, Kvitova committed two double faults after having game points in her favor. Nevertheless, she managed to pull through her first service game with some difficulty, after facing three break points. In the third game, breaks began for both players, signaling a trend of service errors.
Petra Kvitova at 2023 US Open.
Kvitova played well from the return, but when attacking, she made several unforced errors, some of which were outside the doubles lines. Throughout the set, the Czech player always managed to stay ahead in break points. Gracheva managed to equalize at 4-4, but quickly lost her service.
The two-time Grand Slam champion held her serve for the last time and won the set 6-4. Neither player showed convincing service stats—Kvitova won 53% of her service points, while Gracheva won just 48%. However, Kvitova was more effective in securing 3/7 break opportunities, compared to the Frenchwoman’s 2/8.
Second Set
At the start of the second set, it seemed like both players were finally finding their rhythm on serve. The former world No. 2 continued to make unforced errors but managed to hold her service games, improving from a 58% first serve points won rate in the first set to 75% in the second.
Kvitova has always relied on her service throughout her career, but the lack of rhythm caught up with her. In the 6th game, Gracheva broke Kvitova’s serve—thanks to a couple of double faults—and took a 5-2 lead. That single break was enough to take the set 6-3, with Gracheva losing only three points on her serve.
Third Set
In a nerve-wracking final set, both players got early breaks. The Frenchwoman took a second consecutive break and led 3-1. It seemed like the match was slipping away from Kvitova, but she recovered the break and won three consecutive games. As in the first set, everything was tied at 4-4.
Read also
However, the luck was different for Kvitova this time as she easily dropped her serve, and Gracheva closed out the match with her own service, claiming victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Kvitova secured 5/11 break points, while Gracheva won 6/18 in total.
Gracheva advances to the second round to face ninth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva. Meanwhile, Kvitova, after her second match since returning, will travel to Miami to compete in the second tournament of the Sunshine Double. The 2023 champion will be in an ideal setting to seek her first victory since returning from maternity leave.
Match Statistics Kvitova vs. Gracheva
| Kvitova | VS | Gracheva |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 2 | Aces | 1 |
| 8 | Double Faults | 3 |
| 67% (74/111) | 1st Service Percentage | 55% (44/80) |
| 59% (44/74) | 1st Service Points Won | 68% (30/44) |
| 37% (14/38) | 2nd Service Points Won | 56% (20/36) |
| 67% (12/18) | Break Points Saved | 55% (6/11) |
| 57% (8/14) | Service Games | 67% (10/15) |
| Return | ||
| 32% (14/44) | 1st Return Points Won | 41% (30/74) |
| 44% (16/36) | 2nd Return Points Won | 63% (24/38) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 23m | Match Duration | 2h 23m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
