Tennis: Kvitova back hitting tennis balls

Petra Kvitovaduring the BNP Paribas WTA Finals at Singapore Sports Hub. Photo / Getty Images

Petra Kvitova has returned to the court four and a half months after the attack that threatened her career.

The two-time Wimbledon champion suffered serious injuries to her dominant left hand when she confronted an intruder who broke into her home in December.

A best-case scenario put Kvitova off the tour for at least six months but she revealed in April her recovery was going so well that she had entered the French Open, which starts on May 28.

And on Tuesday the 27-year-old posted a picture of herself on Instagram training in Monte Carlo.

Kvitova wrote: "Hello guys. I hope this picture makes you as happy as it makes me! I am in Monaco and guess what? I'm back on the tennis court, hitting with some proper balls and reunited with my dear friend wilsontennis racquet."

Even if she is not ready to return at Roland Garros, there now appears to be a decent chance Kvitova will be able to play at Wimbledon at the beginning of July.