Top 5 Photos, 5/27: Kvitova competes in Czech tournament

Tennis is slowly popping up all over the world. Last weekend, fans watched the UTR Pro Match Series in Florida. This week in the Czech Republic, eight women and eight men also competed with no fans in a charity tournament to raise funds for those affected by the ongoing pandemic. These are the Top 5 photos from the all-Czech event.

1

The sights and scenes at the Sparta Prague tennis club were unlike ever before, with players competing in practice-like conditions. Although, Petra Kvitova is disappointed about playing in empty arenas, she made a roaring return by dismissing Barbora Krejcikova, 7-6 (3), 6-2.

(All images Getty)

2

Unlike the two recent UTR events in Florida, the Czech event did not just have two players and an umpire on the court. Ball boys and girls helped facilitate the action and wore gloves and masks at all times.

3

Along with the two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova and world No.115 Krejcikova, Barbora Strycova, Kristyna Pliskova and world No. 26 Karolina Muchova joined in on the hard-court action.

4

“I have my age and of course I would like to play another Grand Slam, but if it’s like this, I’d rather cancel them,” Kvitova said during the press conference. The world No. 12 was very vocal about her distaste for competing with no fans and replacing handshakes with racquet taps.

5

Although the event was televised, the stands were empty. Media, VIP guests, coaches and ball kids all followed social distancing guidelines and wore masks during the outdoor event.