Paris [France], May 31 : Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova's return to action came to an end in the second round of the French Open after she was crashed out by American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands in straight sets on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old from Czech Republic went down 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) to Mattek-Sands in a thrilling women's singles clash that lasted more than two hours.
Mattek-Sands, the world number 117, will now lock horns with 2010 Roland Garros finalist Sam Stosur of Australia to book her place in the third round.
Meanwhile, it was Kvitova's first tournament since she suffered career-threatening injuries when she was stabbed by an intruder in her home in December.
Almost five months after the incident, Kvitova made an impressive return to court as she looked sharp and eager in her 6-3, 6-2 in the opening round of the French Open.
Kvitova had initially targeted Wimbledon, where she won the title twice in 2011 and 2014, for her comeback but she progressed faster and, therefore, decided to head to Paris.
Elsewhere, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams stormed into the third round of the tournament after registering an easy 6-3, 6-1 win over Kurumi Nara of Japan in a second round clash that lasted for one hour and 20 minutes.
It is Venus' 20th attempt at winning this title and now she faces either Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp or Belgian Elise Mertens.
Source: ANI
