Petra Kvitova, playing in just her second tournament since giving birth to her first child in July, lost a tight three-setter to Varvara Gracheva in the opening round of Indian Wells on Wednesday.

Petra Kvitova said she has been encouraged by the success of several new mothers in their return to the WTA Tour, but she is tempering expectations ahead of her own comeback from maternity leave this week.

Petra Kvitova is all set to make her return from maternity leave at the 2025 ATX Open. The two-time Wimbledon has been away from the sport for 17 months but is staying positive about her new innings.

Petra Kvitova once again struggled with her rhythm, falling to Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 3-6, 4-6. The unforced errors took their toll on the two-time Grand Slam champion, who now faces her second consecutive defeat since returning after a year-long maternity break.

The 34-year-old is on the comeback trail seven months after giving birth to her son. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova still awaiting her first win since returning after giving birth to her son; watch all the action from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,

Find out how to watch, live stream, TV channel, tournament information, & more for Petra Kvitova vs. Varvara Gracheva at the 2025 BNP Paribas Open.

Varvara Gracheva came from a set down to defeat Petra Kvitova in the BNP Paribas Open first round, and paid tribute to the returning mother afterwards.

Ranked No. 70 in the world, Gracheva secured 68 percent of points on her first serve and 56 percent on her second, sealing the victory over the 34-year-old Czech in two hours and 22 minutes.

Naomi Osaka was bundled out of the first round at Indian Wells on Wednesday, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Camila Osorio in the Japanese star's first tournament since injury forced her out of the Australian Ope

In the BNP Paribas Open Round of 128 on Wednesday, Petra Kvitova takes on No. 70 Varvara Gracheva.Kvitova is the favorite (-115) in this match compared to the underdog Gracheva (-110).Tennis odds

The former world No. 2, who turns 35 in March, gave birth to her son Petr last July. Read more at straitstimes.com.