From facing the prospect of never playing tennis again to returning back into the top 10, Petra Kvitova’s story is one that inspires.
In December 2016, the two-time Wimbledon champion suffered a serious injury to her left hand after an intruder broke into her apartment. During a struggle, a knife slashed the two-time grand slam champion. Damaging the nerves and tendons in her hand. She underwent a four-hour operation in the aftermath and it was touch and go if Kvitova would be able to hold a racket again. Fortunately, she was able to return at last year’s French Open, but the scars remain. Even now there are parts of her hand that she has minimal feeling in.
The story of Kvitova’s comeback reached its peak last week at the Doha Open. Taking on Garbine Muguruza in the final, she battled to a three sets win. Securing her 22nd WTA title and returning back into the top 10 for the first time since her career threatening injury.
“I couldn’t really dream about it one year ago when I was in a total different position trying to come back and play. And like for me, it’s something that’s amazing. I couldn’t really wish for more.” Said Kvitova, who is on a 13-match winning streak.
The resurgence of the 27-year-old has sent out warnings to her opponents, who welcome the challenge. Besides the talent of the left-handed player, she has established a reputation of being of one the most respected and beloved figures in the women’s game. British commentator and ATP Aegon Championships (Queen’s) media director, David Law, once described her as a ‘good woman with a good heart.’
The praise from Law is one shared by others. Heading into this week’s Dubai Tennis Championships, Muguruza told reporters that she was ‘surprised’ about Kvitova’s current ability. The Spaniard has only ever beaten her once out of their five meetings on the tour.
“I think it’s incredible. I heard she doesn’t really feel certain parts of the hand. I’m like, I don’t even understand how can you play that good.” She said.
World No.12 Johanna Konta also expressed her admiration by describing the Czech as a strong person both on and off the court. Konta made her comments following her first round win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Dubai. She will play Daria Kasatkina later today.
“I think putting aside the challenges that she’s had off court, just her on court mannerisms, her on-court persona, she’s a very, very classy champion.” Konta explained.
“I think she plays that way. She plays with a lot of self-confidence. That comes through in these big wins that she earns.
“Off the court, she’s just as much of a strong person.”
Agnieszka Radwanska bowed out in three sets to Kvitova in Doha. For the Polish player, it wasn’t just Kvitova’s form that impressed her. It was consistentcy throughout the tournament.
“She played amazing.” Declared Radwanska. “She kept playing at the same level till the end. Winning against Caro (Wozniacki) and Garbine (Muguruza), it’s pretty huge thing.”
Kvitova is currently ranked 10th in the world. Her highest place since June 2016.
