Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is expected to be out of action for at least six months as she recovers from a knife attack at her home.
The 26-year-old underwent surgery on her dominant left hand on Tuesday afternoon following the attack by an intruder - posing as a utility man - at her apartment in Prostejov.
Kvitova, who said that she felt "fortunate to be alive" following the incident, was initially ruled out for around three months after going under the knife.
A further update has now been given and the former world number two is not anticipated to return to the court until next summer, however, with 14 days of rest required before a slow rehabilitation process can begin.
Surgeon Radek Kebrle announced that the surgery went "very well, with no complications", but added that the "best-case scenario" will see her on the practice court after six months.
Kvitova will return next year with a 'special ranking' that will allow her to enter up to eight tournaments with her current standing of 11th place.
Daniel Lewis
