Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has been forced to withdraw from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a virus. The Czech left-hander, who was to have been the number two seed at the $2 million tennis spectacular, was bitterly disappointed at having to miss out. “I am really sorry to have gotten sick prior to the start of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” she said. “I love playing in Dubai and am so disappointed to not be able to get on the plane and go and play for the fans and those amazing crowds. I will definitely be back next year and for many years to come.” Kvitova was one of the favourites to win the event after claiming an amazing six titles in 2011, adding the WTA Championships, Brisbane, Paris, Madrid and Linz to her stunning victory at Wimbledon. “We were looking forward to welcoming Petra back to Dubai and can understand her disappointment at not being able to play due to illness,” said tournament director Salah Tahlak. “She is a popular player in Dubai with a growing number of fans. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back in Dubai next year.” Despite her absence, the WTA Premier Series event still features a stellar field. “We are very disappointed that Petra Kvitova cannot join us in Dubai this year,” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman of Tournament Owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “However, we are looking forward to watching several other members of the top 10, including world number one and Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, US Open winner Samantha Stosur and our defending champion, Caroline Wozniacki.” Lucie Safarova will step up into Kvitova’s place with a first round bye, and a qualifier will take Safarova’s place in the draw. The WTA Tour event continues until February 25 and the ATP tournament follows from February 27.