Tuesday 23 June 2015 15:46, UK
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has withdrawn from this week’s Aegon International at Eastbourne.
The 25-year-old Czech has not played since losing to Marina Erakovic in the fourth round of the French Open and her withdrawal means she will begin her Wimbledon title defence without playing any official grass-court matches this year.
"I didn't feel well when I came here last Thursday," said Kvitova. "I have a sore throat.
"I have to stay in bed and drink tea and rest. I had to make this decision. I hope to be fine for Wimbledon. I'll stay here in Eastbourne and then slowly move to London.
"Of course I wanted to play here, but it does not make sense to play and then not be ready for Wimbledon, I'm not the only one not to play before Wimbledon."
Kvitova, who also won at the All England club in 2011, was top seed at Eastbourne for the final tune-up tournament prior to the start of Wimbledon next Monday.
Second seed Caroline Wozniacki dropped a huge hint only minutes before Kvitova’s pull-out, saying that she and Kvitova were unlikely to team up in doubles as planned.
She added that her intended partner had not been feeling 100 per cent in recent days.
