Petra Kvitova has undergone almost four hours of surgery following a knife attack by an unknown assailant at her apartment in Prostějov, the Czech Republic.
The two-time Wimbledon champion had her fingers slashed during the confrontation with her attacker, who pretended to be a maintenance man to get access into her apartment. During the traumatic experience, it is understood that Kvitova had the knife pointed to her throat before her hand was injured as she pulled away.
Earlier today, the world No.11 spent three hours and 45 minutes is surgery as the doctors tried to repair the damage caused to her left hand, which has been classed as ‘severe’. Shortly after the procedure, a member of Kvitova’s team confirmed that proceedings went well ‘considering the extent of the damage.’ Kvitova has reportedly sustained damaged to all five of her fingers as well as two nerves in her hand. As a result of the damage, Kvitova will not be able to bear weight on her hand for roughly three months, casting doubts on her 2017 season.
“Petra has undergone surgery for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Considering the extent of the damage, the surgery went very well. Doctors repaired to tendons in all five digits of the left hand as well as two nerves.” Kvitova’s spokesperson said.
“Petra will wear a cast on her hand for 6-8 weeks and will be unable to bear weight for 3 months. We hope to have more information for you tomorrow. Thank you for your incredible support.”
Speaking to Czech media, Kvitova’s publicist has assured that the two-time grand slam champion will eventually make a full recovery. Karel Tejkal spoke with doctors and confirmed that they currently can’t see a reason why Kvitova can’t not play tennis once again.
“The extent of the injury is serious, but Petra is according to the surgeon’s young and healthy, and after surgery sees no reason why she can not play tennis again,” Isport.cz quoted Tejkal as saying.
The turmoil caused to the Czech comes after her successful end to 2016 where she won titles in Wuhan and at the season-ending Elite Trophy. Reaching a high of number two in October 2011, Kvitova has won 19 titles on the WTA Tour so far in her career.
