Petra Kvitova resumes training after career-threatening knife attack

Two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova has resumed training as she nears a return to competition after a career-threatening knife attack last December.

The 27-year-old Kvitova suffered major injuries to her racket-holding left hand while fighting off an intruder on Dec. 20 at her home in the Czech Republic. She underwent nearly four hours of surgery on her left hand and forearm.

On Tuesday, Kvitova was on a tennis court in France getting in a workout and she posted an update of her progress.

"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"

Kvitova has a return date in mind -- she is hoping to play in the French Open, which begins May 28.

Kvitova said she has entered the event but isn't yet sure whether she will be ready to play.

After December's attack, Kvitova was left with major nerve damage in her left arm as well as injuries to multiple tendons and all five fingers.

Kvitova, who won the Wimbledon crowns in 2011 and 2014, finished the 2016 campaign ranked No. 11 in the WTA rankings.

Kvitova isn't the first women's tennis player to be a victim of a knife attack. In 1993, Monica Seles was stabbed in the back by a crazed man during a match in Hamburg, Germany.

Seles missed the next 27 months before returning to the circuit.