Kvitova rolling in comeback

Just over eight months ago, Petra Kvitova was held at knifepoint, badly injured and fearing for her life. Now, she is into the fourth round of the U.S. Open.

Following a forced invasion into her apartment in her native Czech Republic in December that resulted in her left hand getting sliced, severing nerves and tendons, Kvitova continued her comeback by beating No. 18 seed Caroline Garcia, 6-0, 6-4, at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Kvitova, 27, is a two-time Wimbledon singles champion (2011, 2014), and is the No. 13 seed after returning to competitive tennis in May. But more than just her career was on the line when the attacker entered her apartment. She tried to defend herself, but the perpetrator used the knife and almost killed her, walking away with the equivalent of $192 in cash. Her assailant, described as a white man in his 30s, still has not been caught. According to Czech police, the robbery was part of a blackmail plot against Kvitova.

“Sometimes I do feel a little bit more normal than before, especially on the court and around players and people, around the tennis, which I’m very grateful that I can be part of it again,” Kvitova said. “The life is still a little bit strange, but it’s getting better, as well. Hopefully one day will be better.”

Kvitova is left-handed and had to have surgery on her dominant hand. She was expected to be out up to six months, yet within weeks she began her rehabilitation.

The French Open in May was her first tournament since the attack, and she lost in the second round.

Kvitova next faces No. 3 seed Garbine Muguruza, the reigning Wimbledon champion. After all that Kvitova has been through, she looked forward to playing one of the best players in the world on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“It’s nice to play someone who won a Grand Slam this year,” Kvitova said. “I’m really looking forward for the big stage and for that match.”