Petra Kvitova pulled out of the French Open on Tuesday after suffering a freak ankle injury by falling during her “post-match press requirements”.
The Czech 11th seed, a Roland Garros semi-finalist in 2012 and 2020, had saved a match point in her first-round win over Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen on Sunday.
“It is with great disappointment that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros,” said the 31-year-old.
“During my post-match press requirements on Sunday I fell and hurt my ankle. Unfortunately, after an MRI and much discussion with my team, I have made the tough decision that it would be unwise to play on it.”
The two-time Wimbledon champion has had little luck with injuries during her career, having missed five months after being injured in a knife attack at her home in 2016.
Kvitova said she was hoping to be back in time for a tilt at a third Wimbledon title to add to the ones she won in 2011 and 2014.
“It’s incredibly bad luck, but I will stay strong and do my best to recover in time for the grass-court season,” she added.
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