Kvitova can't wait to return to Wimbledon, where she made her mark

Petra Kvitova made a momentous return to the tour at Roland Garros, playing just five months after she was severely injured by a knife-wielding intruder at her home.

It was both inspirational and emotional to see the world No. 16 in action in Paris, well ahead of schedule. The Czech star lost in the second round at Roland Garros after defeating Julia Boserup in her first match back, but now she’s back in her element with the grass season underway.

The All England Club holds a special place in Kvitova’s heart, as she won her first Grand Slam there in 2011 and then took the title again in 2014.

The 27-year-old can’t wait to return to the site of her greatest achievements.

“I love the people there,” the former world No. 2 said. “…I love England. At Wimbledon, it feels so quiet, so comfy for me as a home … It’s just more relaxed. It is amazing.”

What can we expect from the two-time champion when the season’s third Grand Slam gets underway on July 3?

The women’s game is as wide open as it has perhaps ever been, but Kvitova is still not at full strength. She admitted this week that her injuries have not fully healed, and a complete recovery may be months away. (There’s a chance she may never fully recover.)

Regardless of how she performs at the Championships, you can expect the fans to welcome her back with open arms and back her every step of the way.

Kvitova did get her grass campaign off on the right foot on Tuesday, defeating Tereza Smitkova, 6-2, 6-3, in her opening match at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham. She’ll next face wild card Naomi Broady, and could potentially meet fifth-seeded Kristina Mladenovic in the quarterfinals.