The return of Maria Sharapova understandably generated an excessive amount of chatter and garnered an abundant number of headlines.  That did not make it a bright spot for the sport, however, mired in controversy as it was.  A happier return that looks to be on the near horizon is that of Petra Kvitova.  The Czech recently posted photographs of herself hitting the practice court, and her return to competition increasingly looks like it could be sooner rather than later.

More than a few of the WTA's top names were absent in the opening months of the 2017 season, but the reason behind Kvitova's absence was easily the most tragic.  Shortly before Christmas last year, an intruder broke into her apartment and attacked her with a knife.  In the process of defending herself, Kvitova suffered multiple lacerations to her dominant left hand that included the severing of tendons and nerves.  It was assumed that she would need a minimum of six months, if not longer, to recover and eventually return to competition.  But with her name officially entered for Roland Garros, the Czech appears to possibly be a little ahead of schedule, something both Kvitova and the WTA can be thankful for.

Kvitova's eventual return to the tour will not bring nearly the same level of attention to the WTA as Sharapova's, and not just because it is lacking in controversy.  Sharapova is a brand unto herself, who inspires strong emotions from fans on both sides of the spectrum.  Kvitova, by contrast, is more low-key and tends to fly under the radar even when at her best.  But her best is something truly remarkable to behold.  She owns every shot in the book and is one of the most powerful ball-strikers in the game.  If firing on all cylinders, she can blitz anyone off of the court.  She is a two-time Wimbledon Singles Champion, who has been ranked as high as world no. 2, and she has reached the quarterfinals or better at the other three majors.  With Serena Williams now relegated to the sidelines and the lack of consistency at the top, the WTA could use another major champion back in the mix.

The current landscape of the WTA also makes it an ideal time for Kvitova personally to make her return.  She has always had the weapons to control the outcome against virtually any opponent, but the state of flux should make that an easier proposition.  Furthermore, with Sharapova just now making her return and Victoria Azarenka likely to not come back until after Kvitova, the Czech will arguably be starting on an equal footing with two of her biggest rivals.

There is no discounting the new mental approach Kvitova may take to the sport as well.  It is often said one never truly appreciates something until it is gone, and Kvitova has talked about how much she missed tennis when she was suddenly prevented from playing it anymore.  This experience, horrific as it was, may ultimately turn out to be one of the greatest things for her career if she is able to channel it into an even greater passion and hunger that results in more consistent results and additional prestigious titles.

Suffice it to say, there is every reason for Kvitova and fans of tennis to look forward to her impending return.  An appearance in Paris may be asking too much in the end, but it is great to see that she is nearly ready to get back out on the match court.  That she is able to come back is the type of feel-good story that fans love, but if she can find a way to rebound all the way back to the upper echelons of the sport, then all will have an even greater reason to celebrate.