Injured Kvitova misses Eastbourne

Petra Kvitova has been forced out of this week’s WTA Tour event at Eastbourne because of injury.

The 27-year-old from the Czech Republic has cited an abdominal problem and does not wish to take any risks ahead of Wimbledon, which starts next Monday.

Kvitova won the Aegon Classic in Birmingham on Sunday, beating Ashleigh Barty of Australia in a three-set final.

It was only her second tournament since making a comeback from serious injuries sustained during a burglary at her home in December of last year.

The two-time Wimbledon champion suffered multiple lacerations to the tendons and nerves on her left hand and fingers while tackling an intruder at her apartment in Prostejov. During last week’s event in the Midlands she lost just one set in five matches.

Angela Kerber of Germany is the No 1 seed at the Aegon International in Eastbourne which finishes this Saturday.