SURGEONS TENDED TO tennis star Petra Kvitova for almost four hours following the knife attack on her earlier today.

The two-time Wimbledon champion was attacked by an intruder at her apartment in Prostejov in the Czech Republic and received injuries to her left hand, her playing hand,  during the struggle.

Doctors repaired tendons in each digit of her left hand as well as two nerves. According to her publicist, Katie Spellman, the 26-year-old will wear a cast for between 6-8 weeks and will be unable to bear any weight on the hand for three months.

There’s likely to be a further update on Kvitova’s condition on Wednesday.

Earlier today, she issued a statement stating she was ‘fortunate to be alive’.

Thank you for all your heart-warming messages.As you may have already heard, today I was attacked in my apartment by an individual with a knife. In my attempt to defend myself, I was badly injured on my left hand.

I am shaken, but fortunate to be alive. The injury is severe and I will need to see specialists, but if you know anything about me I am strong and I will fight this. Thank you all again for your love and support and now I would appreciate some privacy while I focus on my recovery.”

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova injured in knife attack