THREE-TIME CHAMPION PETRA KVITOVA COMMITS TO 2017 CONNECTICUT OPEN PRESENTED BY UNITED TECHNOLOGIES 

Wimbledon champion continues fairytale comeback after knife attack by confirming New Haven entry
 

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 6, 2017- Three-time champion Petra Kvitova 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 was announced today by Tournament Director Anne Worcester.
 
"I'm so excited to be heading back to the Connecticut Open this summer," said Kvitova. "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. ADVERTISEMENT 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."
 
Kvitova suffered severe lacerations to her left hand after an attack by a home intruder in December 2016 and many feared that she might never pick up a racket again. But the Czech World No.16 has defied medical odds by coming back to tennis a month earlier than predicted and beat American Julia Boserup 6-3 6-2 in the first round at Roland Garros, before defeat by Bethanie Mattek-Sands in round two.
 
"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," added 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.”
Kvitova, who holds a 19-3 record in New Haven after lifting the trophy in 2012, 2014 and 2015, has 19 WTA titles to her name. She joins defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska and American wild card Sloane Stephens at the Premier WTA event, which will be held August 18-26 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. This year marks a celebration of 20 years of women's tennis in New Haven and Czech legend Martina Navratilova will take part in the opening ceremony on Monday evening (August 21) as well as a mixed doubles exhibition with fellow Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander.
 
Fans who want the best seats to the Navratilova Exhibition and PowerShares Series men’s matches (August 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 secure them by purchasing a multiple session package. Packages include Weeklong Box Seats (all 14 sessions), After Hours (every evening session and Saturday finals), Final Four (last four sessions which includes PowerShares Series), and Pick Four Flex (choice of four early round sessions).
 
For more information about the 2017 Connecticut Open, to volunteer to be part of our team and to purchase tickets visit www.ctopen.org
 or call 203-776-7331.
 
About Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies
Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies is a women’s-only WTA tournament held at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale featuring four different competitions, including WTA qualifying, WTA singles, WTA doubles and PowerShares Men’s Legends. As a not-for-profit 501c3 charitable organization, its mission is to leverage the excitement of world-class women’s tennis to benefit the community and maximize support for women’s, youth and other causes in Connecticut. Owned by the State of Connecticut, the tournament generates $10+ million in regional economic impact. The Connecticut Open is prominently featured domestically through 40+ hours of combined coverage on ESPN2 and ESPN3.  The event is also broadcast internationally to 160 countries and delivers more than 15 million viewers worldwide. For details about the tournament and tickets, visit www.ctopen.org or call 1-855-464-8366.
 
About United Technologies
United Technologies, based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.