Petra Kvitova, currently the 11th-ranked women’s tennis player and two-time Wimbledon champion, was the victim of a burglary attempt at her home in the Czech Republic on Tuesday, during which the home invader stabbed her in the left hand. The details sound terrifying, and the resulting injury cause Kvitova to undergo immediate surgery:
EXCL: Petra Kvitova undergoing potentially career-saving surgery. Intruder let in posing as gas man, didn't know it was her until inside 1/2
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 20, 2016
2/2 Bathroom struggle, knife to throat, severe lacerations to all 4 fingers on left hand. Intruder ran, police called, Kvitova rushed for op
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 20, 2016
Kvitova tweeted to her followers that she was relatively safe and “lucky” in the immediate aftermath.
Thank you for all your messages. As you may have already heard, today I was attacked in my apartment by an individual with a knife
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) December 20, 2016
In my attempt to defend myself, I was badly injured on my left hand. I am shaken, but fortunate to be alive. The injury is severe and I will
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) December 20, 2016
need to see specialists, but if you know anything about me I am strong and I will fight this. Thank you all again for your love and support
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) December 20, 2016
Kvitova is a left-handed player, so the injury is a particularly worrying one for her career. It came as she was working her way back from another injury, this one to her foot, which had already put her status for the Australian Open in January in doubt. Kvitova’s publicist said that the crime was random, rather than a targeted attack on her due to her celebrity.
Several tennis stars tweeted their support on Tuesday:
So upset hearing the news about @Petra_Kvitova. Hands down one of the nicest people I've ever met. All my thoughts with her
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) December 20, 2016
Just finding out about @Petra_Kvitova and the awful stabbing and injury to her hand- pulling for you Petra, všichni držíme palce!!! Xoxo
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) December 20, 2016
My thoughts are with @Petra_Kvitova . Terrible news.
— Aga Radwanska (@ARadwanska) December 20, 2016
Just heard what happened to @Petra_Kvitova ! All my thoughts are with her today! So scary! One of the nicest people I know!
— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) December 20, 2016
Though this happened in Petra’s home and not on the court, it’s difficult to hear of a female tennis player victimized by a stabbing and not be reminded of Monica Seles, one of the best ever whose career was derailed after she was assaulted in the middle of a tennis match by a man with a knife. We hope Kvitova doesn’t suffer any lasting effects, physical or psychological, and she will have tons of support from the tennis community, which has awarded her the WTA Sportsmanship award four years in a row.
