Australian Open: Petra Kvitova’s bid to overcome home invasion
Petra Kvitova suffered serious lacerations to her left hand and fingers while defending herself during a home invasion and is hoping to make 2020 her year after coming close to grand slam glory at last year’s Australian Open.
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The scars from a traumatic home invasion will always be with Petra Kvitova.
That said, the world number eight tennis champion is determined to channel the horrific experience into motivation to do well on the court.
“Sometimes of course the bruises are still there,” Kvitova said. “Of course my hand will never be as it was before the attack but I am trying to deal with what I have and I hope to take everything positively.”
Kvitova, 29, suffered serious lacerations to her left hand and fingers while defending herself from her attacker in December 2016.
The tennis player testified at the trial after which accused Radom Zondra initially received an eight year jail sentence that was later increased to 11 years.
She received countless messages of support from those inspired by her strength and resilience following the incident.
“I have had a lot of messages, especially at the time I was trying to recover,” she said, attending the Crown IMG tennis launch ahead of the Open kicking off today.
“It has been difficult mentally and physically as well. I am just happy that I do have the strength and belief.”
Kvitova went on to make her comeback at last year’s Australian Open, missing out on a win to Naomi Osaka In the women’s final.
In 2020, she’s hopeful of more successes on and off the court.
“Every year I try to make it my year,” she said ahead of taking on fellow Czech Katerina Siniakova in the first round today.
“The luck has to be there, everything has to be there. I feel good and healthy, I am not falling apart. Every day is different. Every opponent is different so we will see. I will just play my best.”
Other major tennis stars joining Kvitova at the Australian Open launch party included Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki, Daniil Medvedev and Elina Svitlova.
Originally published as Australian Open: Petra Kvitova’s bid to overcome home invasion