Kvitová Commits To Connecticut Open

By Kristine M. Phillips


Three-time New Haven champ Petra Kvitová has committed to
return to Connecticut in August.

NEW HAVEN— Petra Kvitová will return to the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies this summer 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 last week, and the Connecticut Open is the first tournament to secure her signature, it wasannounced today by Tournament Director Anne Worcester.
Kvitová, who will be seeking a record tying fourth title in New Haven, suffered severe lacerations to her left hand after an attack by a home intruder in December 2016, and many feared that her tennis career may be over. But the determined Czech, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, has defied medical odds by coming back to tennis a month earlier than predicted. She topped American Julia Boserup 6-3 6-2 in the first round at the French Open, before losing to American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands, currently ranked No. 1 in doubles, in the second round at Roland Garros.

“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 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.”

A two-time Wimbledon champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Kvitová holds a 19-3 record in New Haven, winning the tournament in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Overall, the 27-year-old Czech has 19 WTA titles to her name. She joins defending New Haven champion Agnieszka Radwanska and American wild card Sloane Stephens as an early commits to the Connecticut Open, a Premier WTA event which will be held Aug. 18-26 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. Stephens recently conducted a free tennis clinic for inner-city students in New Haven.

“I'm so excited to be heading back to the Connecticut Open this summer,” said Kvitová. “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.”

This year marks the 20th year of women's tennis in New Haven, and the legendary 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.

Best seats for the Navratilova Exhibition and PowerShares Series men’s matches (Aug. 24-25), which will feature Tennis Hall of Famers Michael Chang and John McEnroe along with Fairfield’s James Blake and defending champion Mark Philippoussis, can be secured by purchasing a multiple-session package. These include Weeklong Box Seats (all 14 sessions), After Hours (every evening session and Saturday finals), Final Four (last four sessions, including the PowerShares Series), and Pick Four Flex (choice of four early round sessions).  For more information about the 2017 Connecticut Open (including information on becoming a tournament volunteer), or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ctopen.org, or call 203-776-7331.

—With Staff Reports