Former double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has suffered serious stab injuries after being attacked by an intruder in her home in the Czech Republic.

The current world No. 11 sustained significant hand injuries in what appears to be an aggravated burglary by a knife-wielding assailant. The suspect, believed to be a male in his mid-30s, is said to have fled the property in Prostejov with €185 ($192) in cash following the incident.

Police spokesman Frantisek Korinek said: “Today before half past eight in the morning, a 26-year-old woman was attacked near Prostejov. The unidentified perpetrator broke into the apartment using a ruse.”

Kvitova has received a series of well wishes from team-mates and fans and expressed her gratitude for the messages on Facebook.

"Thank you all for your messages and support," she wrote. "What happened to me, it was certainly not pleasant, but it's behind me. Now for me is the main doctors to find out what's on my arm.

"I trust them and believe that this goes well, I have the best care and I'm in contact with my loved ones. The worst thing I've done. Thanks again for thinking of me. Don't worry about me!"

She is expected to see a specialist for further treatment of her injuries. The former world No.2 had earlier sent a tweet confirming that a foot injury had ruled her out of her country’s Hofman Cup tie with the USA on January 1.

This isn’t the first time a high-profile female tennis player has been stabbed.

In 1993 Monica Seles was attacked on-court in Hamburg, Germany by a deranged Steffi Graf fan. She received a significant injury to her back and did not resume her professional career for two years.

(RT)