2024-01-01T15:36:10+00:00
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/ Czech Petra Kvitova, former Australian Open runner-up, announced on Monday that she is expecting her first child from her husband and coach Jiri Vanek, and will miss the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments this year, which begins in two weeks.
Kvitova posted a photo of herself and her husband holding an X-ray and a baby shower outfit on the first day of 2024, captioning it: “I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year and share the exciting news that Yeri and I will be welcoming a baby into our family this summer.”
She added on Instagram that she would miss her annual trip to Australia, adding: “I am looking forward to spending some time at home preparing for this exciting new chapter in our lives.”
Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, 33, did not take part in the warm-up tournaments currently underway in Australia but her name has appeared on the entry list for the tournament, which will be held in Melbourne from January 14 to 28.
Kvitova lost the 2019 Australian Open final to Naomi Osaka, who returned to competition earlier today after a 15-month absence during which she gave birth to her first child.
Meanwhile, Osaka looked strong after returning to competition after a 15-month absence, defeating Germany’s Tamara Korbach 6-3, 7-6 in the first round of the Brisbane International.
The 26-year-old Japanese player last competed on the WTA Tour at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2022 and gave birth to her first child, Shai, in July before intensifying her preparations for the Australian Open from January 14-28.
Osaka showed no signs of letting up in her first game back, breaking Korbach’s serve without giving her a point, and the former world number one turned up the pressure again towards the end of the first set to wrap it up in 38 minutes with a powerful forehand.