Former No.1 returns to play first match in four years

The Czech was victorious in opening round of singles, her first since losing to Ons Jabeur in Quebec City five years ago, beating 18-year-old Yaroslava Bartashevich, 3-6 6-3 6-1.

However, Safarova has revealed that she will not be returning full-time,“I still enjoy tennis, but I don't want to go back."

Since retiring in 2019, the five-time doubles major winner has had two children, welcoming her daughter Lea in 2019 and son Oliver just last year.

And Safarova actually helps support her young nieces Emma and Anna Dvorackova, who are aspiring tennis players themselves.

In fact, Safarova was scheduled to play alongside 17-year-old niece Emma Dvorackova, but the pair withdrew from their opening match.

Safarova has also pulled out of her second round singles match, which was set to be against former top 25 player Mona Barthel.

The 2016 Olympic bronze medal winner has since clarified the reason for her withdrawal on Instagram, "Hi guys. Sadly, I won't be able to continue my run at the @itftennis 25,000$ tournament in Reims."

She continued, "Although I only wanted to use this time as preparation for an exhibition tournament later this month, and to play doubles with my niece, my participation has been qualified as an 'official return to professional tennis' and it needed to be signalled to the ITF prior to competing.

"I was not informed of this mandatory procedure, but I respect the decision made by the tennis authorities. Even tho[ugh] it's very disappointing to me. I want to thank the tournament for allowing me to play once more. I also want to thank my fans for all the messages of support I received the last couple of days. I'm looking forward to compete at the legends event soon!"

The exhibition Safarova has mentioned is the Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters, that will also feature Kim Clijsters, Anett Kontaveit, Daniela Hantuchova, Andrea Petkovic, Monica Puig, Pauline Parmentier and Mandy Minella, and will take place between October 18-22.