The 26-year-old Czech, who had surgery to repair tendons on Wednesday (December 21), described being to move her fingers in her left hand - the one she holds a racket in - as "the best Christmas present".

Kvitová was rushed into hospital after a man allegedly posing as a maintenance technician entered into her apartment in Postejov in what was reportedly an attempted robbery.

He then threatened her with a knife and, after Kvitová attempted to defend herself, she received stab wounds to her left hand, which is the hand she holds a racket in.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the attack, which sparked widespread concern among the tennis world and the sporting community, Kvitová said she was hoping the injuries would not force her to retire.

A spokesperson for the world number 11 and Olympic bronze medallist from Rio 2016 had taken three hours and 45 minutes and the procedure "went very well".

At first, it was hoped her recovery could take three months, but a few hours after the operation, management team said it will be at least six months before she is back on court.

"I have no choice but to look ahead, and not back, to see how everything will develop," she said at a press conference today, sporting bandages over her damaged left hand.

"It does not really matter to me how long it will take [to play again], whether it is three months, six months, a year or however long.

"But certainly I want to return one day and I will do everything possible to do so."

Kvitová is set to miss the Australian Open in Melbourne Park, due to take place from January 16 to 29.

It is also likely she will be absent from the French Open in Roland-Garros in Paris, scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 11.

She had been recovering from a foot injury which forced her to pull out of the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia, due to begin on January 1, and last week started pre-season training in Lanzarote.

"I'm happy to tell you I'm feeling well," the Czech added.

"The medical staff, the police, my family and my team have all provided me with 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."

In 2011, Kvitova defeated Russia’s Maria Sharapova in straight sets to win the Wimbledon women’s singles title, her maiden Grand Slam victory.

She went onto repeat the feat three years later by thrashing Eugenie Bouchard of Canada 6-3, 6-0 in the final.

Her highest world ranking is second, which she achieved in October 2011, and Kvitova has 19 Women’s Tennis Association titles to her name.