Media duties have forced the withdrawal of another seed at the French Open - this time, it's Petra Kvitova.
The 11th seed at Roland Garros announced her premature departure from the Grand Slam due to an injury sustained at her post-match press conference on Sunday.
Kvitova needed three sets to see off the Belgian qualifier, Greet Minnen, setting up a second round meeting with Elena Vesnina.
It was after Sunday's meeting with the media that the 31-year old fell and hurt her ankle. An MRI has led her team to ward the two-time Roland-Garros semi-finalist off going any further in this year's tournament.
Kvitova described the incident as "incredibly bad luck", but will focus her attentions on getting fit enough for the grass court season.
Her withdrawal follows that of Naomi Osaka on Monday evening.
The 2nd seed was threatened with expulsion for her unwillingness to risk her mental health by attending post-match press conferences. Osaka said her pulling out of this year's French Open was "the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being".
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) June 1, 2021
Petra Kvitova statement:
It is with great disappointment that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros.
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.
It's incredibly bad luck, but I will stay strong and do my best to recover in time for the grass-court season.
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