Kvitova Falls to Kenin in Her Return to Miami

One of the standout matches in the first round of the WTA 1000 Miami tournament featured Petra Kvitova, who received a wild card, against Sofia Kenin. This duel pitted two players who have each won at least one Grand Slam title, as the Czech triumphed twice at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, while the American claimed the Australian Open title in 2020.

A tough draw for both players, who are searching for their best form. Kvitova, who recently turned 35, missed the entire 2024 season due to the anticipation of a happy event, before making her return to the WTA tour at the end of February at the Austin tournament, 17 months after her last match.

However, Kvitova’s first victory after her maternity leave will have to wait. Despite the Czech player making an excellent start to the match, breaking the former world No. 2 twice, Kenin never panicked and eventually took control. Trailing 4-3 with a break, the American won the last three games of the first set.

The second set was more balanced, with neither player willing to concede their serve. But in the end, Kenin, much more solid on her serves, decisively broke her opponent to secure the win (6-4, 7-5). She will now face Coco Gauff for a spot in the third round.

As for Kvitova, this marks her third defeat in as many matches since her return to competition. After narrowly losing to Jodie Burrage in Austin and then to Varvara Gracheva in Indian Wells, the Czech left-hander was defeated in straight sets this time. Having won this WTA 1000 Miami event two years ago during her last appearance in Florida, Kvitova did not achieve the same success this time around.