Kvitova Returns to Tour with Loss to Burrage in Austin

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday February 25, 2025

Petra Kvitova returned to the WTA Tour, taking part in her first aggressive match in 17 months on the ATX Open in Austin, Texas.

Kvitova fell to Nice Britain’s Jodie Burrage, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 in 2:29.

It was a troublesome defeat for the 34-year-old Czech, who had 4 break factors to steer 5-3 within the last set however couldn’t convert. Credit score Burrage, who fired 14 aces, who claimed the ultimate three video games of the match to notch her victory.

The Brit had sort phrases for Kvitova after the match.

Welcome again @Petra_Kvitova 👋💜#ATXOpen pic.twitter.com/2hA4PIa1gh

— wta (@WTA) February 25, 2025

“She’s an absolute champion, I knew I used to be going to must battle out right here,” Burrage mentioned on courtroom after the win. “Obtained off to a reasonably shaky begin however she got here out like she hadn’t been away for 17 months. She was slapping all the pieces and it was getting in, so I knew then who I used to be up in opposition to.

“There was little doubt in my thoughts that she’s the identical participant that she was when she was on tour 17 months in the past. Very pleased with how I composed myself, obtained myself again in that match, and fought till the tip.”

Kvitova will subsequent head to Indian Wells the place she has accepted a wild card. Kvitova, who turns 35 on March 8, plans to play Miami as nicely, earlier than sitting down together with her husband to make plans for the clay season.

The 2-time Wimbledon champion, who gave start to child boy Petr on July 7, is presently unranked.