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.

​"I didn't feel well when I came here last Thursdy," 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 doesn not make sense to play and then not be ready for Wimbledon, I'm not the only one not to play before Wimbledon."

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 before 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