Petra Kvitova announces comeback after maternity break

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will return to action this month after a 15-month maternity break, with the Czech set to play in three tournaments in the United States.

The 34-year-old had announced in January last year she was expecting her first child with husband and coach Jiri Vanek and gave birth to their son Petr in July, during the Wimbledon fortnight.

Kvitova will play in the February 24-March 2 WTA 250 tournament in Austin, Texas before ramping up her return at WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami.

"I really miss tennis and miss competing, so I'm really looking forward to being back," Kvitova, who won the All England Club title in 2011 and 2014, said in a video on Instagram.

"I can't wait to see my fans all around the world. Thank you very much for supporting me. It will be a nice journey, and I can't wait."

The former world No.2 last played in October 2023 and won titles in Miami and Berlin that year.