Kvitova gets wildcard chance in Miami after IW loss

Petra Kvitova will continue her post-motherhood WTA comeback with a Miami wildcard after Wednesday’s opening loss at the Indian Wells Masters.

The two-time Wimbledon winner from more than a decade ago fell 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Varvara Gracheva in the first round.

The 70th-ranked French winner was quick to lay praise on her defeated Czech opponent, who is barely into her return to the circuit.

“I really want to congratulate her, because she had a child quite recently (a son last July) and I’m so happy that she now has the role of a mother and a tennis player, which is very demanding. 

“It’s very inspiring for sports, athletes, women — it’s just amazing. Petra, my admiration to you — you’re the best!”

The showcourt match was among the first for Gracheva, who had lost to Kvitova in 2023 before she paused her career for motherhood. The winner now faces ninth seed and teenage Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva in the second round.

The match featured a massive 29 break points, with Gracheva coming good on a third of her chances while Kvitova converted five of her own while committing 55 unforced errors to 13 for the French winner.

Main photo:- Varvara Gracheva serving in Indian Wells – by WTATennis.com