Petra Kvitova's Triumphant Comeback: Overcoming Doubts

Petra Kvitova, former Wimbledon champion, reveals she was '95% sure she'd retire from tennis before making a comeback and securing her first win since 2023.

Petra Kvitova, the former Wimbledon champion, has finally secured her first win since 2023 after a lackluster return to tennis following the birth of her son. The 35-year-old Czech had struggled with four consecutive losses since her comeback in February. However, she broke her losing streak at the Italian Open in Rome, defeating Irina-Camelia Begu 7-5, 6-1 in the first round.

“It feels much better than losing, that's for sure,” Kvitova said after her win, acknowledging that Rome wasn't typically her strongest tournament. Despite never having played her best tennis in the Italian capital, Kvitova was relieved to have finally tasted victory. In a surprising revelation, Kvitova also mentioned she was “95%” sure she'd retire from tennis, adding a layer of intrigue to her comeback journey.

181 - Petra Kvitova has claimed her 181st WTA-1000 match win, trailing only three players since the format’s introduction in 2009 – Victoria Azarenka (208), Simona Halep (186) and Caroline Wozniacki (183). Comeback.#IBI25 | @InteBNLdItalia @WTA @WTA_insider pic.twitter.com/3j5xc7x0LW

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 6, 2025

Petra Kvitova, the two-time Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, had considered hanging up her racket for good before deciding to start a family. “I was 95% that I would never come back,” she revealed. Kvitova had grown tired of the sport and felt she couldn't continue, leading her to pursue motherhood instead.

The birth of her son Petr last year marked a new chapter in her life. However, Kvitova has since made the decision to return to professional tennis, and her recent win at the Italian Open has given her a much-needed boost.

“I didn't say anything because it wasn't 100%. When I could do something finally after pregnancy, I played some tennis and it felt so good. I was laughing. Every shot I hit smoothly, I was like, 'Wowwww - it's still there'.”

First win as a mom.

Fantastic moment. @Petra_Kvitova pic.twitter.com/G3WFaezwM0

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 6, 2025

Petra Kvitova's next challenge will be against Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, but for now, she's savoring her first win since 2023. Kvitova isn't putting pressure on herself, embracing her comeback with a relaxed mindset. “However long I'm going to enjoy it,” she said, indicating her intention to take things as they come and appreciate the journey.