Defending champion Kvitova withdraws from Eastbourne

No.7 seed and defending champion Petra Kvitova has withdrawn from the Rothesay International citing fatigue, the tournament announced on Tuesday.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova won her 31st Hologic WTA Tour title last week in Berlin. She had been scheduled to play Jelena Ostapenko in the first round in a rematch of the 2022 final. Ostapenko, who won her sixth career title last week in Birmingham, will instead play lucky loser Barbora Strycova.

“I’m very sad that I have to withdraw from the tournament in Eastbourne and not have the chance to defend my title,” Kvitova said in a statement. “It’s one of my favorite stops on tour and I wish everyone a great week.”

No.22-ranked Anastasia Potapova also withdrew, citing a right shoulder injury. Potapova, a semifinalist in Birmingham last week, was due to face Camila Giorgi on Tuesday and has been replaced by Heather Watson in the draw.