Kvitova commits to play at CT Open

Three-time champion Petra Kvitova will return to the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies this summer as she continues her comeback to tennis after a careerthreatening injury.

The two-time Wimbledon champion is officially back in action after an emotional return at Roland Garros last week for the French Open.

The Connecticut Open is the first tournament she has committed to play.

“I’m so excited to be heading back to the Connecticut Open this summer,” Kvitova said in a press release. “Now that I’ve been given the green light by my doctor I can finally plan my schedule so it’s great to start by confirming one of my favorite tournaments of the year. I always look forward to being back in New Haven but it will be extra special this year after all the support I have received from the amazing fans there.”

Kvitova suffered severe lacerations to her left hand after an attack by a home intruder in December 2016 and many feared that she might never pick up a racket again. But the Czech World No. 16 has defied medical odds by coming back to tennis a month earlier than predicted and beat American Julia Boserup 6-3 6-2 in the first round at Roland Garros, before defeat by Bethanie Mattek-Sands in round two.

“Petra has shown immense courage and determination to get back on the court and her story has captured the hearts of the global tennis family but also those outside tennis,” Connecticut Open tournament director Anne Worcester said in a release.

“Everyone here at the Connecticut Open is delighted to have Petra coming back this summer and to be the first tournament in line means a great deal to us.”

Kvitova is 19-3 in New Haven, winning singles titles in 2012, 2014 and 2015. She has won 19 WTA titles.

She joins defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska and American wild card Sloane Ste-

phens at the Premier WTA event, which will be held August 18-26 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale.

This year marks a celebration of 20 years of women’s tennis in New Haven and Czech legend Martina Navratilova will take part in the opening ceremony on August 21, as well as a mixed doubles exhibition with fellow Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander.

For more information about the 2017 Connecticut Open, to volunteer, and to purchase tickets visit www.ctopen.org or call 203-776-7331.