Bethanie Mattek-Sands inspired by Petra Kvitova's return to WTA tour

PARIS—Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who upset Petra Kvitova, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5), in the second round at the French Open, said that the Czech came back because she loves the sport, even though physically she isn’t 100 percent yet.

The two-time Grand Slam champion was attacked with a knife at her house by a burglar in December, returning this week from a five-month break.

“It's really inspiring,” Mattek-Sands said. “I talked to her a little bit before tournament started. I gave her a big hug. I was really happy to see her back, especially after everything that had happened.

"It's great to see her back. She's a nice person off the court [and] obviously a great tennis player, a champion.”

The 32-year-old Mattek-Sands, ranked No. 1 in doubles, had her best French Open in singles in 2013. She reached the fourth round at that tournament, upsetting former champion Li Na before losing against Russian Maria Kirilenko.

But Mattek-Sands says that she really likes playing on clay, and said Kvitova is off to a good start in her comeback.

“That's what I told her [at the] end of the match, too,” she said. “She not only came back from all of that; she came back playing well.
 There were some great points. We're both competitors out on the court, but it's really good to see her back.”

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