Top seed Kvitova withdraws from Eastbourne

Wimbledon holder Petra Kvitova will begin her title defence in a week without any official grass-court matches following her Monday withdrawal from the Eastbourne International.

The Czech who claimed the title at the All England club in 2011 and a year ago was top seed at the final tune-up tournament prior to the start in SW 19.

Second seed Caroline Wozniacki dropped a huge hint only minutes beofre the pullout, 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 percent in recent days.

Kvitova has not played since losing in the Roland Garros fourth round.
Source: AFP