Even though Petra Kvitova was spotted practicing at Roland Garros on Thursday, she kept us waiting until Friday to announce whether she would make a return from December’s home robbery stabbing during the claycourt Grand Slam and now it’s official: the Czech will compete in Paris, her first-round opponent being American world No.86 Julia Boserup.
My photographer Jimmie48 photographed Petra throughout the day and we could see nothing but smiles.
Wearing the Nike Summer Baseline Tank in paramount blue, Petra practiced on Friday morning in Paris, finalizing her comeback preparation that included a lot of careful and smart training throughout the six-month absence. Petra’s fitness coach David Vydra and tennis coach Jiri Vanek explained for the WTA in detail their gradual approach.
Today, Petra even showed some football skills during her practice.
Petra’s motivation, positive spirit and dedication enabled her to get a green light from her doctor Radek Kebrle, who had operated on her left hand for three hours and 45 minutes following the burglar attack. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Petra’s playing hand will be strong enough to sustain the pressure of tough WTA competition. Welcome back, Petra!
What great news!
She won her first match! Awesome!