Petra Kvitova returns to practice after stabbing incident
What’s the story?
After a four-month layoff since December 2016, two-time Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova has made her return to the practice courts. She posted a picture on Instagram of her “hitting with some proper balls” on the clay courts of Monaco, yesterday. Recovering from the grievous injuries suffered last year, the World Number 15 is preparing for the French Open which starts on 28th May.
In case you didn’t know...
The former World Number two has 19 Career titles to her name. Having won the Wimbledon Championships in 2011 and 2014, she was a force to be reckoned with. In addition to her WTA records, she has an Olympic bronze medal which she won at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The courageous 27-year-old, having suffered the major setback due to the stabbing incident in December, missed out on four solid months of competitive tennis. Her assailant had entered her apartment to rob it under the appearance of checking a utility meter.
A struggle in the bathroom led to the knife being held against Kvitova’s throat. Although she was able to fight free, she injured her left hand viciously in the process. Being an excellent player, her progress was stalled after the heinous setback which took away four months from her prime years.
The heart of the matter
On 20th December 2016, Kvitova was robbed at her apartment in Prostejov, Czech Republic. During the robbery attack, she suffered multiple lacerations to the tendons and nerves on her left hand and fingers. The attacker left with $192 worth of cash.
Post the incident, she successfully underwent surgery to repair the damage to her hand and was expected to sit out the next six months in order to fully recover. Several doctors said that though she will recover from the injuries she might not be able to play tennis again. Proving all such notions wrong, Kvitova announced to the world that she is back.
She was expected to take a longer hiatus but claimed last month that she has a ‘chance’ to take part in the French Open.
What’s next?
Her strong will has empowered her to be back on the courts of Monaco once again and she is already in the singles entry list for Roland Garros. Participation will depend on how well she can step up after a forced break.
Author’s Take
Kvitova’s determination and will power has been extraordinary as she has made her return to the dusty clay courts of Monaco. We are delighted to have the feisty girl back and ready to compete again, hopefully. It is indeed a very wonderful sight seeing her back on the courts, holding the tennis racquet.
We wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she can participate in the French Open and continue to allure us with her brilliant display of tennis which we missed seeing on the circuit for the last few months.