By Chris Oddo | Tuesday February 5, 2019
Petra Kvitova testified against the man who attacked her in Brno on Tuesday.
Photo Source: Mark Peterson/ Corleve
World No. 2 Petra Kvitova testified against the man who invaded her apartment and attacked her with a knife in 2016 on Tuesday.
2016: Surgery Successful, but Long Road Lies Ahead for Kvitova
The attack, which left Kvitova with four badly lacerated fingers on her left hand, nearly ended the career of the two-time major champion.
Kvitova's testimony was requested by a lawyer for the suspect, 33-year-old Radim Zondra.
The case is being carried out in Brno, Czech Republic, but Kvitova testified via video live feed to avoid facing the suspect.
The 28-year-old offered some details of the attack that left her needing emergency surgery.
Kvitova said the suspect, who entered her apartment after claiming to be there to inspect the boiler, grabbed her from behind and put a knife to her throat. When she grabbed the knife with both hands, the left hand was injured.
Kvitova says that she found herself lying on the floor with blood everywhere, as she screamed. She later offered the man money and he took the equivalent of $440 and left.
Zondra is pleading not guilty. He faces a prison sentence of up to 12 years if he is found guilty. According to the AP, he is currently in prison for a different crime.
Kvitova, returned to the game in May of 2017 and since then has climbed back to the top of tennis, becoming a true inspirational figure of the sport. She won five titles last season and began 2019 by reaching the final of the Australian Open after claiming the Sydney title.
She did not talk to media but said through a spokesperson that she is happy to have the episode behind her.