Kvitova exits to Gracheva on her return to Indian Wells

Petra Kvitova, a wild-card recipient, was defeated in her opening match at Indian Wells by Varvara Gracheva after a three-set battle (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) lasting 2 hours and 22 minutes.

To kick off the action on the center court at Indian Wells, the organizers had decided to schedule the match between Petra Kvitova, returning to competition since the end of February, and Varvara Gracheva, the French No. 1.

Although the Czech player got off to a better start by winning the first set, she conceded the only break of the second set, allowing Gracheva to level the match at one set apiece.

The third set was fiercely contested between the two players, with neither able to pull ahead on the scoreboard. The Frenchwoman led 3-1, but Kvitova then won three consecutive games to come within two games of victory (4-3).

In the end, it was Gracheva, after breaking her opponent's serve for the seventh time in the match (out of 17 opportunities), who managed to close out the match and advance to the second round of the tournament.

The next match will be a tough challenge for the world No. 70, as she will face Mirra Andreeva.

As for Kvitova, she will continue to gradually regain her rhythm at the WTA 1000 in Miami, where she has also received a wild card.