KVITOVA’S ‘FAIRYTALE’ ENDS
Petra Kvitova said she is eagerly looking ahead to returning to Wimbledon after her ‘fairytale’ French Open comeback ended in the second round.
The Czech star lost 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) to American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands at Roland Garros on Wednesday in her first tournament since a horrifying knife attack at her home last December.
“It’s weird. I mean, I’m disappointed, for sure. I came here to win the matches. I’m not here to sit and talk with you guys, but — that’s nice, as well,” a smiling Kvitova told reporters.
“But I really fought. I mean, after the match, I didn’t feel that bad as normally I probably do.
“I’m still happy I’m here and playing. The fairytale ended. Now, in upcoming weeks, I think it will be business as usual.
“That’s what I’m looking forward to, just focusing on the tennis and on the game and everything what I do need to improve to my game.”
Kvitova defeated Julia Boserup in the opening round in Paris, dropping to her knees in celebration before weeping at the net as her emotions took control.
And although the two-time Wimbledon champion fell prematurely on her return, Kvitova said it was “mission complete” after overcoming severe injuries to her left playing hand suffered while fighting off a knife-wielding burglar.
“I didn’t really have expectations here. Just came to, you know, open my comeback, kind of,” she said.
“The mission is completed, which I’m very happy for that, and I’m happy that this all ended. I just will focus now for grass and for tennis again.” The 27-year-old has yet to commit to any events ahead of Wimbledon but admitted she was keen to return to a regular routine as quickly as possible. “Coming to Roland Garros was one of the things, which we were preparing for Wimbledon,” said Kvitova, a winner at the All England Club in 2011 and 2014. — AFP