Tennis: Petra Kvitova thanks well-wishers on Christmas Day after knife attack

Petra Kvitova shared a heartwarming image on Twitter after receiving flowers from well-wishers on Christmas. Photo / Twitter

Petra Kvitova shared a heartwarming Christmas tweet in response to being bombarded with flowers after being stabbed in the hand during a knife attack at her apartment.

Following surgery, the two-time Wimbledon champion is able to move the fingers on her left hand, and she tweeted: 'Sending love and kisses for a merry Christmas. Thank you for filling our house with flowers.'

The 26-year-old made her first public appearance on Friday at a press conference near Prague after being released from hospital.

She had an operation on her racket-holding hand that lasted nearly four hours and it was heavily bandaged as she read out a statement.

Kvitova said: 'I am happy to tell you that I am feeling well. The medical staff, police, my family and my team have provided amazing support in this difficult situation.

'I want to thank each and every one of them for the important part they have played in the past four days.

'I have been overwhelmed by the flood of messages and love received from the tennis family, fans and public. Thank you. 'While what happened to me was very scary, I do not see myself as a victim, I do not feel sorry for myself and I will not look backwards.

'I will use all my energy to focus on my recovery and will do everything I can to return to the sport as soon as possible.

'Yesterday morning, during a session with the doctor, I was able to move the fingers on my left hand. This to me is the greatest Christmas present I could have asked for.

'I am now looking forward to spending time with my family and I ask for privacy and peace as I start my journey towards a return to the tennis court.'

Kvitova faces a lengthy rehabilitation process but she received positive news from her surgeon, who told her she had a chance of resuming playing in six months after the operation went without complications.

The intruder posed as a utility man seeking to read a meter to gain access to the apartment in Prostejov before a struggle ensued.

It is understood the knife was put to Kvitova's throat and her left hand was injured as she pulled the weapon away.

Czech police are still searching for the attacker. The incident has been described as a random act with Kvitova not specifically targeted.