Kvitova Commits to 2017 Connecticut Open

June 6, 2017 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff

Three-time champion Petra Kvitova will return to the Connecticut Open, presented by United Technologies, Aug. 18-26 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, as she continues her remarkable comeback to tennis after a career-threatening injury. The two-time Wimbledon champion is officially back in action after an emotional return at Roland Garros.

"I'm so excited to be heading back to the Connecticut Open this summer," said Kvitova. "Now that I've been given the green light by my doctor I can finally plan my schedule so it's great to start by confirming one of my favorite tournaments of the year. I always look forward to being back in New Haven, but it will be extra special this year after all the support I have received from the amazing fans there."

Kvitova suffered severe lacerations to her left hand after an attack by a home intruder in December 2016 and many feared that she might never pick up a racket again. But the world number 16 has defied medical odds by coming back to tennis a month earlier than predicted, and defeated American Julia Boserup 6-3, 6-2 in the first round at Roland Garros, before falling to Bethanie Mattek-Sands in round two.

"Petra has shown immense courage and determination to get back on the court and her story has captured the hearts of the global tennis family but also those outside tennis," said Connecticut Open Tournament Director Anne Worcester. “Everyone here at the Connecticut Open is delighted to have Petra coming back this summer and to be the first tournament in line means a great deal to us. I know our fans will be more eager than ever to see this inspirational champion in action and her addition to the field makes our celebration of 20 years of women’s tennis in New Haven even more special.”

Kvitova, who holds a 19-3 record in New Haven after lifting the trophy in 2012, 2014 and 2015, has 19 WTA titles to her name. She joins defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska and American wild card Sloane Stephens at the event. This year marks a celebration of 20 years of women's tennis in New Haven and Czech legend Martina Navratilova will take part in the opening ceremony on Monday evening, Aug. 21, as well as a mixed doubles exhibition with fellow Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander.


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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