Double grand slam champion Petra Kvitova has sustained an injury at her apartment in the Czech Republic after an unknown assailant entered according to Czech media reports.
According to Czech media outlet Česká Televize, the unidentified person has cut Kvitova’s left hand with a knife during the suspected burglary. She is currently in the care of doctors as police launch a manhunt to track down the suspect.
“I can confirm that this morning Petra Kvitova was attacked. It was a random criminal act, apparently not a pre-planned action,” a spokesman said.
Kvitova was staying in the city of Prostejov after returning from her off-season training block in Lanzarote. The extent of her injury has not been publicly confirmed, however, Czech Radio has indicated that she will need surgery on her hand. It has been reported that the knife has ‘slashed’ the tendons and fingers of her left hand. She is rumoured to be at the Brno Trauma Hospital, where doctors are assessing the state of the damaged caused to her tendons.
It has been reported by sport.cz that the unidentified criminal managed to enter the house after posing as a maintenance worker and stolen an unverified amount of money.
Franz Prostejov Korinek, a spokesman for the local police force, said that the incident occurred before 8:30am (Czech time), but failed to provide further details.
“We are exploring the case of violent crime, which as yet unknown perpetrator in a flat raided. Then he fled from the place, a woman was injured.” Said Korinek.
Kvitova’s spokesman, Karel Tejkal, has confirmed that the world No.11 was attacked in her home. He has also clarified that the injury is not ‘life-threatening’ and the police is currently liaising with Kvitova’s family following the incident.
“At this moment we cooperate with the police, as well as her family. Petra was injured and is in the care of doctors. It’s not an injury that would have threatened the life,” he said.
The incident comes hours after Kvitova withdrew from the Hopman Cup. She is yet to fully recover from a stress fracture on her right foot, which she suffered earlier this month.
