Two-time grand slam champion Petra Kvitova could be returning to the court next week at the French Open according to her manager Katie Spellman.
Kvitova hasn’t played a match for seven months after injuring her hand during a burglary. Last December an intruder entered her Prostejov apartment after posing as a maintenance repairman. During a struggle with the intruder, Kvitova suffered damage to her left hand when it was slashed with a knife. The Czech was forced to undergo four hours of surgery to repair damage caused to her nerves and tendons.
Providing an update on Kvitova’s recovery in an exclusive interview with Reuters, manager Spellman said that she is on course to play in the Wimbledon championships. The 27-year-old won the tournament in 2011 and 2014. It has also been revealed that Kvitova will make an announcement about playing at Roland Garros later this week.
“She is on track for Wimbledon,” Spellman told Reuters. “She will make a last minute decision this week about Roland Garros.”
It is unclear about how likely Kvitova will play at next week’s French Open. Given that the Czech has not played a tour match on the clay this season, doubts remain about if she will be ready in time. The draw for Roland Garros will get underway on Friday.
On the other hand, Kvitova’s Wimbledon return appears more certain. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) hailed the potential return of the former champion.
“The AELTC is always pleased to welcome former champions back to Wimbledon, and would be delighted if Petra Kvitova is able to compete in The Championships this year,” Wimbledon said in a statement to Reuters.
“We wish her well with her ongoing preparations to return to competition.”
Reaching a high of world No.2, Kvitova has so far won 19 WTA titles in her career. Towards the end of 2016, she won both the Wuhan Open and the Elite Trophy.
