Kvitova’s winning return: the reaction

The feel-good story of day one at Roland Garros was the first round victory of Petra Kvitova.

The popular two-time Grand Slam champion had not played a match since her hand was injured in a robbery attack in her apartment in her native Czech Republic in December. The damage to her left (and playing) hand was so severe that surgeons warned she would be sidelined for at least six months. It made the 27-year-old’s return in Paris (which was only confirmed on Friday) even more unexpected.

Opening the tournament on Philippe-Chatrier Court, the No.15 seed became the first player into the second round with a convincing 6-3 6-2 victory over American Julia Boserup.

Just how much it meant to Kvitova was obvious in her reaction on match point:

An emotional win for @Petra_Kvitova.

What an inspiration. #RG17 pic.twitter.com/IvmKodl7Eh

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2017

When tennis becomes more than a game. ??#RG17 pic.twitter.com/0l9kVTYc8L

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2017

Courage and belief were the words inspiring Kvitova – and the result left her colleagues feeling just as emotional:

What a come back @Petra_Kvitova ???? Its making me emotional to watch honestly ????????????

— Andrea Hlavackova (@AndreaHlavackov) May 28, 2017

PETRA! #imnotcryingyourecrying

— Andrea Petkovic (@andreapetkovic) May 28, 2017

I'm crying the happiest of tears ???????? https://t.co/07AOzi3yPJ

— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) May 28, 2017

Tears in my eyes watching @Petra_Kvitova winning her first come back match at RG ???????????? so emotional and inspiring… Bravo Petra ! #fighter

— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) May 28, 2017

? what a story! pic.twitter.com/F06JGdIPjL

— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) May 28, 2017

Many past greats also took to social media to congratulate Kvitova:

Welcome back @Petra_Kvitova – fantastic to have you back playing – and congratulations for winning today- DO TOHO!:)

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 28, 2017

Good things happen to good people..???????????? https://t.co/QD6KYQdFT0

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) May 28, 2017

@Petra_Kvitova you're amazing!! @rolandgarros congratulations!

— rennae stubbs (@rennaestubbs) May 28, 2017

There are not many cleaner hitters of the ball than @Petra_Kvitova great to see her so comfortable back in @rolandgarros spotlight.

— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) May 28, 2017

It was a story that captivated the tennis world:

Who else excited that Petra is back? ???????? https://t.co/v07pmQz38B

— Fed Cup (@FedCup) May 28, 2017

The first match winner at #RG17: @Petra_Kvitova. What a courageous effort, so great to see her back! https://t.co/88R28pGtI2

— AusTennisMag (@AusTennisMag) May 28, 2017

Even after her defeat, Boserup was in awe:

Congratulations to @Petra_Kvitova for so much more than winning a tennis match today. pic.twitter.com/rxPtVghEGS

— Julia Boserup (@juliaboserup) May 28, 2017

How was Petra feeling?

She summed it up with two simple words:

Thank you ?? pic.twitter.com/cFeEFKbFyN

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) May 28, 2017

Kvitova next plays American, and world No.1 doubles player, Bethanie Mattek-Sands.