Tennis news: Petra Kvitova set to make comeback at Wimbledon after knife attack

Two time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is set to make her comeback to the tennis court at Wimbledon later this year, seven months after she suffered a horrific knife attack in Prostejov, Czech Republic.

The Czech tennis star needed four hours of surgery to recover from the damages caused to her on to her playing hand and said she was "fortunate to be alive" after the attack last year that lacerated all four fingers of the left hand.

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Reports say that she has made a faster recovery than expected since being attacked in December and while her participation in Wimbledon all but confirmed, Kvitova could also take part in the French Open which starts later this month.

"She is on track for Wimbledon. She will make a last-minute decision about Roland Garros," the Guardian quoted Katie Spellman, Kvitova's publicity manager as saying.

Kvitova, who won the Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, will be on the official entry list for this year´s Championships, which will be released tomorrow and the AELTC said they would be delighted to have her back.

"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. We wish her well with her ongoing preparations to return to competition," a Wimbledon official said.

Earlier this month, she posted a photograph on social media of her returning to full training in Monaco that said: "I hope this picture makes you as happy as it makes me."

Along with Kvitova, former world no.1 Victoria Azarenka could also make a comeback to the tennis court at Wimbledon after the birth of her son Leo in December. Azarenka has not played since last year's French Open and said recently: "Leo kinda said he wants to see London and Wimbledon."

Azarenka initially wanted to make her return at the Bank of the West Classic at the end of July, but is now planning to make her return on one of the grass-court warm-up events prior to Wimbledon. Azarenka will also eligible to retain her ranking as world number six, if she is ready to play her first tournament within 12 months of giving birth.