Czech player Petra Kvitova is well-known for her exploits on the tennis courts. The left-handed player conquered Wimbledon and etched her name in the annals of history forever. However, a very unfortunate incident sidelined Petra for months, with no certainty that she could hold a racket again.
The former Wimbledon champion’s life changed on this day in 2016. An intruder, posing as a utility man, viciously attacked Petra after breaking into her house in Prostejov, Czech Republic. The assailant had entered her house under the pretense of checking the meter to rob her.
In the chaos that ensued, the man held a knife to Petra’s throat. However, she fought back against him and sustained severe injuries to her playing hand while struggling to break free. While Kvitova survived the attack, it affected her career, even though she is grateful she can still play.
“At first, I was happy that I’m still alive”
.@Petra_Kvitova on her attack, her recovery and her #AegonClassic triumph! pic.twitter.com/r2HN7Q1B9g
— wta (@WTA) July 3, 2017
“In my attempt to defend myself, I was badly injured on my left hand. I am shaken, but fortunate to be alive,” said Petra in the days following her attack (via The New York Times).
Petra underwent major surgery on her hand, as she had damaged her tendons and nerves. Given the severity of the attack, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether Petra could continue playing. However, she made a full recovery and returned to the courts at the French Open in 2017. Two years later, Petra made it to the finals of the Australian Open, where she lost to Naomi Osaka.
“I wanted to win and have the trophy. But I think I already won two years ago. So for me, it’s amazing.”@Petra_Kvitova puts it all in perspective 🙏#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/rdK5tvWjTy
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2019
The attack altered Petra Kvitova’s career forever, as she still grapples with mobility issues. Unfortunately, professional tennis players have been attacked before, especially women. Since Petra chose to skip the Australian Open, it has given rise to a lot of rumors.
The rumors about Petra Kvitova are baseless
A lot of tennis players will be making a comeback at the Australian Open next year, including Osaka. However, Petra will be missing from action due to an injury.
There were pregnancy rumors about the Czech star, even though they were baseless. Petra injured her back during the China Open. She has not trained in 11 weeks, although she still goes to the gym.
Petra Kvitova will probably miss the Australian Open according to isport
– She’s still suffering with a back injury she sustained at The China Open
– She has not trained with a racket since then (11 weeks), only doing gym sessions
– The pregnancy rumours are false pic.twitter.com/heXW6OnxHT— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) December 19, 2023
Petra Kvitova has been an inspirational figure to fans all over the world. Her story is marked by ups and downs, as with all athletes, but her comeback is a mark of her strength of character.