Krejcikova suffers injury scare four days before Wimbledon title defence

Barbora Krejcikova, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a two-time Grand Slam singles titleholder, has withdrawn from the Eastbourne tournament due to a thigh injury, just four days ahead of her title defense at Wimbledon. Krejcikova faced a challenging path in Eastbourne, having played two three-set matches against British players Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage, both of which she won. However, she experienced discomfort in her right thigh, which she initially noticed on Wednesday and described as worsening overnight. In light of her injury and the impending Wimbledon tournament, Krejcikova made the difficult decision to withdraw before her scheduled quarter-final match against France's Varvara Gracheva. The 29-year-old expressed her regret over the situation, emphasizing the importance of resting and assessing her condition in preparation for the upcoming competition at Wimbledon.

This year has been particularly challenging for Krejcikova, as she has only participated in six matches following a significant lay-off caused by a back injury. Her recent performance included a first-round loss at the Queen's tournament, but she managed to save match points in her subsequent victories against Dart and Burrage. As the world number 17 and the defending women's champion at Wimbledon, Krejcikova's health and readiness for the tournament are critical. She won her first Wimbledon title last year by defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the final, and her fans will be hoping for a swift recovery so she can compete effectively in her title defense starting Tuesday. Krejcikova's situation highlights the physical demands of professional tennis, especially when returning from injuries, as players must balance their competitive spirit with the need to prioritize their long-term health.