Petra Kvitova made a long-awaited return to tennis after 17 months away, having appeared at the ATX Open in Austin.
Kvitova announced her comeback earlier this month, with the two-time Grand Slam champion having taken time off to have a child.
Also a former world number two, Kvitova was drawn against British number six Jodie Burrage in the round of 32 in Texas.
Burrage had a tough test against Coco Gauff at the Australian Open, where she lost in straight sets to the third seed.
But the Briton pulled off somewhat off an upset this time around, with Burrage beating Kvitova 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Petra Kvitova delighted to make tennis return despite ATX Open defeat
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova will likely have bittersweet feelings about the return, but she opted for a positive social media response post-match.
“Absolutely loved being back out there!” the 31-time WTA Tour champion posted on Instagram despite the loss.
“Thanks for the warm welcome ATX Open. Missed those feelings of competition, the fight, and most of all, loved seeing my fans again.”
Petra Kvitova set for Indian Wells after receiving wildcard
Kvitova last played all the way back at the 2023 China Open, with an opening defeat therefore not at all surprising.
She should simply be delighted at making it back onto the court, and indeed putting up a real right against Burrage.
The Briton’s run at the ATX Open didn’t last long after her famous win, with Burrage then losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the round of 16.
Kvitova meanwhile, as detailed in her recent comeback video, plans to take on both Indian Wells and Miami next month.
She has been handed a wildcard for the former, as have ATP Tour youngsters Learner Tien and Joao Fonseca.
Venus Williams received an Indian Wells wildcard, but the American legend has turned down the chance to play at the tournament next month.
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