“The chances of Petra’s hand healing well enough for her to be able to play tennis again were very low.” These were the words of surgeon Dr. Radek Kebrle, reporting in an Independent online article about Czech petra kvitova's chances of playing tennis again. This came after her left hand was injured during a horrific attack at her home last year. Therefore, it will come as no surprise to learn that emotions were high after Kvitova's accomplished an inspiring straight sets victory over American right-hander, Julia Boserup in the first round of the French Open 2017.
Kvitova takes on doubles specialist Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round
Another American stands in the way of Petra Kvitova in the second round of the French Open. This time it's gritty American qualifier, Bethanie Mattek-Sands who looks strong and as though she is warming to the clay court challenge after her first round victory over Evgeniya Rodina .
The accomplished, previous Wimbledon champion Kvitova leads the head-to-head 2-0, but the players have not yet met on clay. Mattek-Sands is currently ranked 120 in the world, but seems to be putting more emphasis on singles this year and is a potentially difficult opponent. That said, Kvitova did not look at troubled in disposing of Boserup in the first round.
With this tournament cutting up all the time with injuries and the shock defeat of Kerber in the first round, fans of the Czech have cause to be hopeful for a good run at Roland Garros.
Things are taking shape for a return to Wimbledon, the scene of a previous triumph
Obviously, Wimbledon 2017 is the is the next Grand Slam where the most hopeful followers of this inspiring player will be eyeing a longer run and if things go right, possibly even another victory.
The chances of winning another Slam now are probably not that different to the chances of Kvitova returning to professional tennis at all, five months ago.
Kvitova has great strength of character
The way that Petra has dealt with a situation that she is still not allowed to talk about for legal reasons, shows strength of character and enviable determination.
This article is not about the person who could win the tournament, it is about a brave person who has done a great job at showing up. The French Open is a greater tournament for each game that Kvitova plays in it. All that remains to be said is good luck in the second round, Petra.
The match takes place on the 31st May 2017.
