Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova mentioned she has been inspired by the success of a number of new moms of their return to the WTA Tour, however she is tempering expectations forward of her personal comeback from maternity go away this week.
The previous world No. 2, who turns 35 subsequent month, gave start to son Petr final July and can return to the WTA Tour in Austin, Texas, earlier than high-profile hardcourt occasions in Indian Wells and Miami.
New moms Elina Svitolina and Naomi Osaka have each returned to a excessive degree after time away from the sport, whereas Belinda Bencic received the Abu Dhabi title this month.
“These women are fairly younger nonetheless in fact, I’d say my age is completely different,” Kvitova informed the WTA web site. “However we’re used to working exhausting. Even after being pregnant and giving start we all know what to do and we’re keen to do it. While you already performed nicely earlier than, you need to be again the place you belong, principally.
“Belinda and I are in contact, and it is good she’s taking part in so nicely. Her daughter is like 2½ months older than our Petr, in order that’s enjoyable. She simply confirmed us that it is attainable, coming again after giving start. That is an excellent signal.”
Kvitova meets Jodie Burrage on Tuesday within the first spherical of the ATX Open. It is her first match in 17 months and says it looks like an enormous deal.
“Typically I am actually stunned on my own. Like, why I did it? I’d have regretted it if I did not come again,” Kvitova mentioned. “I am not placing any objectives on myself, I will by no means play pretty much as good as I used to be taking part in once I was profitable tournaments.
“I need to take pleasure in myself taking part in tennis and it will take time.”
Reuters contributed to this report.