New Delhi: Former World No.2 Petra Kvitova will return to competitive tennis in the WTA Tour after being out of action for 15 months due to maternity leave.
The 34-year-old made the announcement through a video on her Instagram account, informing of plans to compete in the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas, followed by the WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami.
“I’m here to tell you some exciting news. After 15 months being away from tennis and having my baby boy Petr, I’m coming back to tennis circuit. I really miss tennis, and miss competing, so I’m really looking forward to be back,” Kvitova said in the video.
The Czech had withdrawn from the tour after the 2023 China Open in October and on New Year’s Day last year, she had announced that she was expecting their first child with husband and longtime coach Jiri Vanek.
Two-time Wimbledon champ
Kvitova gave birth to a son named Petr in July of last year, during the Wimbledon, which she won in 2011 and 2014.
“I can’t wait to see all my fans, all around the world. Thank you very much for supporting me. It will be a nice journey, and I can’t wait,” she said.
Left handed Kvitova was ranked No. 14 in 2023 when she went into a break, having won titles in Miami and Berlin, increasing her career haul of trophies to 31.
Before her break, Kvitova finished 2023 as the World No. 14, and won two titles — Miami and Berlin — to bring her career haul of trophies to 31 and $37 million in prize money.
Kvitova’s follows former World No.4 Belinda Bencic, who returned to the sport in late 2024, after a year after three women’s Grand Slam champions Caroline Wozniacki, Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber also made a comeback.
The ATX Open in Austin begins on February 24.
Petra Kvitova announced plans of competing in the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas, followed by the WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
