Kvitova out indefinitely after burglar attack
PRAGUE: Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will need at least three months of rest after surgery to her left hand cut by a knife-wielding burglar on Tuesday, her spokesman said.
Kvitova suffered an injury on all five fingers and two nerves in her left hand, her racket hand, after fighting with the burglar at her home in the eastern Czech town of Prostejov.
Doctors “stitched the injured f inger tendons” during the surgery that took three hours and 45 minutes, Kvitova’s spokesman Karel Tejkal told AFP.
“The injury is serious, but the surgeon says Petra is young and healthy and there is no reason why she can’t resume tennis.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Tejkal said the burglary was a random crime as “nobody was going to attack or rob her as Petra Kvitova”.
The 2 6 - ye a r - old world number 11 said on Facebook she was shaken but “fortunate” to be alive.
“I was attacked in my apartment by an individual with a kni f e ,” said Kvitova, adding she tried to defend herself. “I trust the doctors and I believe it will all end well. Don’t worry about me.” Local pol ice spokesman Frantisek Korinek said the attack had occurred before 0730 GMT on Tuesday near the Prostejov town centre and that the burglar was still at large. Meanwhile, support poured in from fellow tennis stars. “So upset hearing the news about @ Petra_ Kvitova. Hands down one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. All my thoughts with her,” tweeted world number eight Madison Keys. “Just finding out about @ Petra_ Kvitova and the awful stabbing and injury to her hand - pulling for you Petra,” added Czech-born former great Martina Navratilova. And Oracene Price, the mother of Serena and Ve nu s Wi l l i ams , tweeted: “@ Petra_ Kvitova I’m very sorry to hear what happen to you. I’m praying for your speedy recovery. Blessing to you a nd you r family.” — AFP