Knife-Wielding Intruder Attacks Tennis Star

Petra Kvitova says she's 'fortunate to be alive'
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 20, 2016 11:44 AM CST
Knife-Wielding Intruder Attacks Tennis Star
Petra Kvitova poses with her winners trophy following the WTA Elite Trophy tournament in China on Nov. 6.   (Color China Photo via AP)

Two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova suffered a "severe" injury to her playing hand Tuesday when an assailant posing as a utilities worker entered her apartment in Prostejov, Czech Republic, and attacked her with a knife, reports the Guardian. "In my attempt to defend myself, I was badly injured on my left hand," the tennis player writes on Facebook. "I am shaken, but fortunate to be alive." Her publicist says Kvitova, 26, appeared to be the victim of a "random" burglary, per the BBC. She has since undergone surgery.

Ranked 11th in the world, Kvitova was scheduled to play in a charity match Tuesday, though she'd announced earlier in the day that she'd be unable to play in Australia's Hopman Cup in January due to a foot injury. She'd recently been seen wearing a protective boot on her right foot. It isn't clear how long Kvitova will need to recover from the injury to her hand, "but if you know anything about me I am strong and I will fight this," she says. Prostejov police say they are hunting a 35-year-old man who fled the scene after stealing less than $200. (More tennis stories.)

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