Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from the Eastbourne tournament due to a thigh injury, casting doubt on her readiness for the upcoming Wimbledon defense. The Czech player, who is a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, felt the injury worsen overnight after initially experiencing discomfort on Wednesday.

Krejcikova, 29, expressed her regret over the withdrawal, stating, "I'm very sorry to have to withdraw as I'm having some soreness in my right thigh. I think it's better with Wimbledon in the next couple of days just to rest it and to see what's going on and to resolve that."

She was set to face France's Varvara Gracheva in the quarter-finals but decided to pull out before the match began. This season has been challenging for Krejcikova, who has only played six matches following a lengthy lay-off due to a back injury.

At Eastbourne, Krejcikova had hard-fought victories against Britons Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage, both matches going to three sets. Her recent form includes a first-round loss at Queen's and narrow escapes against Dart and Burrage, where she saved match points.

Krejcikova, currently ranked 17th in the world, won the Wimbledon title last year by defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the final. Her participation in Wimbledon, where she is the defending women's champion, remains uncertain as she focuses on recovery.

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