PETRA KVITOVA CRUISED into the French Open second round on Sunday as the Czech star returned from a lengthy lay-off after a harrowing knife attack at her home in December.
The two-time Wimbledon champion swept aside American Julia Boserup 6-3, 6-2 in her first match since suffering career-threatening injuries to her left playing hand when she tackled an intruder at her home in the eastern Czech town of Prostejov.
Kvitova was left fighting to save her career after the attack, admitting her hand was “still not 100%” while speaking to reporters at Roland Garros on Friday.
However, the 15th seed won the opening point of the match with a sweeping cross-court forehand and needed just 74 minutes to overcome world number 86 Boserup.
“It’s a pleasure to be here, I’m really glad to have made the decision that I’m going to play here,” Kvitova said afterwards.
“Thank you for everything, you helped me through this difficult time.
“I’m glad with how I played today. There are a few things to improve but what can I expect after such a long time.”
Kvitova, a French Open semi-finalist in 2012, will face Bethanie Mattek-Sands or Evgeniya Rodina in the next round.
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The UFC might aswell not have rankings and contenders anymore.
@Ciarán: Woodley faught Maia, Wonderboy*2 and Lawler in his last 4 fights: each the highest rank possible at the time… If anyone should be allowed a money fight its him. Besides, in diaz’s last 2 fights, he beat a champion and then lost to the same guy on a narrow decision. So compared to other welterweights he isnt an absurd choice… Its nothing like Bisping: making his 1st defence against someone not even in the top 10 and his 2nd defence against someone who hadnt faught in 4 years.
Coincidence that McGregor and Diaz will both have titles before their rematch? Not that I’m complaining, would be hard not to get excited about the build up to that.
@Johnny: what title will Diaz have? No chance will he beat Woodley
@Connery83: 100% agree, Diaz is the perfect style for Woodley to fight. Plus hed have no excuse to be cautious in this one.
@Connery83: Woodley barely beat Maia even the the entire fight was fought on the feat. Diaz is more than a match for him on the feet and if it goes to the ground Diaz is more than comfortable fighting on top or from his back. Diaz will beat him.
@Johnny: Maia is possibly the best at bjj in the entire ufc. Woodley was being cautious to avoid his submissions, but was comfortably better on the feet. Fans were angry that he didnt try to finish him. He also beat Wonderboy who is one of the best strikers
@Johnny: Woodley will punch a hole through his face. I actually fear for Nate in this fight, as he is so durable. Mate defends with his face and against the hardest hitter at 170 that’s a recipe for disaster
That’s preposterous! What has he done to deserve a shot
@Patrick Dara Kelly: Been the only person since 2010 to beat McGregor, a 2 weight champion, in mma.
@Rudiger McMonihan: fair achievement but why has that put him in line for a title shot, he’s 3-3 at 170.
He smokes a hell a lot of weed, with Conor the King of Coke and the majority of the roster on some kind drugs he’s perfect.
@Malachy Rivers: The main difference between them and athletes in other sports is the testing. Has a football player ever been caught using PEDs?
Great fight Woodley has me blocked on twitter so I hope he gets a beating:)