Petra Kvitova: Two-time Wimbledon champion “lucky to be alive” following knife attack during home invasion
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova says she is fortunate to be alive after a stabbing attack at her home in the Czech Republic.
The 26-year-old, who won the Wimbledon women's singles title in 2012 and 2014, was severely injured on her left hand by a knife-wielding intruder during a suspected burglary on Tuesday morning.
A manhunt has been launched in the eastern Czech town of Prostejov to find the attacker who escaped from the house with cash reportedly worth £155.
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"Today I was attacked in my apartment by an individual with a knife," said Kvitova. "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 need to see specialists, but if you know anything about me I am strong and I will fight this.
"What happened to me was not pleasant at all, but it is already behind me. The main thing for me now is that the doctors will determine how my hand is doing. I trust them and believe that it will end well."
Kvitova, currently ranked No11 in the world, was at home recovering from a fractured foot sustained earlier this month.
She is the eigth highest-earning female tennis player of all time with $22.9m (£18.6m) won in prize money since turning pro in 2006, but she is not believed to have been specifically targeted.
"It was a random criminal act," said Kvitova's spokesman Karel Tejkal.
"She was assaulted in her apartment and is in the care of doctors, but her injuries are not life threatening."