For Petra Kvitova, a major victory

ROLAND GARROS – Petra Kvitova practiced at Roland Garros Thursday.

And after what the 27-year-old Czech went through at the hands of a stranger who invaded her apartment last December, this alone was a major victory.

If she gets on court at the French Open for her first-round match, which appears to be the plan, that will be another victory. And then, it will be just about tennis again. Finally.

The 27-year-old Czech was hopeful a month ago that she could make it back from surgery to repair the ligaments in her fingers in time for the French Open. It seemed optimistic at the time, more of a motivational tool to keep her going during all the tough rehab.

But she made it. Whether or not she’ll be in good enough health to win a round, or more, is almost beside the point at this point.

Here are some exclusive Tennis.Life shots from Kvitova’s first practice in Paris Thursday. She practiced with fellow Czech lefty Lucie Safarova, then hit some more with coach Jiri Vanek.

Friday press conference to confirm

Kvitova will have a press conference Friday amid all the top players who will have their media availabilities, after the men’s and women’s singles draws are made at noon.

From the looks of things on Thursday, it may be all systems go.

As well-liked as she is, there could well be inappropriate press applause when Kvitova enters the room. Under these exceptional circumstances, it’s unlikely anyone will have any sort of issue with it.

Despite not having played all season in the aftermath of the attack, Kvitova remains ranked No. 14. So she will be seeded. And that will offer her a potentially easier first-round match than might have been the case if she were just floating around the draw.