Petra Kvitova withdraws from Eastbourne

Petra Kvitova has been forced to pull out of this week's AEGON International with illness.

The 25-year-old had been due to begin her preparations for Wimbledon in the second round at Eastbourne tomorrow afternoon.

However, a "sore throat" has forced the world number two to withdraw from the competition.

"I have a sore throat. I have to stay in bed, drink tea and rest. "I didn't feel well when I came here last Thursday, 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," BBC Sport quotes the Czech player as saying.

Kvitova will be the defending champion at SW19, having also won the title there back in 2011.