EASTBOURNE — Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from the Eastbourne International due to an injury scare, just four days before her title defense at the All England Club begins. The Czech star, who claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at SW19 last year, cited a lingering leg issue as the reason for her withdrawal.
Krejcikova, seeded No. 2 at Eastbourne, was scheduled to face American Bernarda Pera in the second round but pulled out shortly before the match. Tournament organizers confirmed her withdrawal, stating, "Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn due to a right leg injury. We wish her a speedy recovery."
Injury Concerns Ahead of Wimbledon Defense
The timing of Krejcikova’s withdrawal raises concerns about her fitness ahead of Wimbledon, where she is set to defend her title. The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout the 2024 season, including a recurring hip issue that forced her to miss the French Open. Her latest setback comes after she battled through a three-set victory over Anhelina Kalinina in the first round at Eastbourne.
Krejcikova admitted in her post-match press conference that she was not at full fitness: "I felt some discomfort during the match, and I need to be careful. Wimbledon is the priority, so I have to listen to my body." Her cautious approach suggests she is prioritizing recovery over match practice, a risky strategy given the lack of grass-court preparation.
A Rocky Road Since Wimbledon Triumph
Since her stunning Wimbledon victory in 2023, Krejcikova has faced an inconsistent season. Injuries and fluctuating form have seen her ranking drop to No. 32, her lowest position since 2021. Key struggles include:
- Early exits at the Australian Open and Indian Wells
- A hip injury that sidelined her during the clay season
- Limited match play on grass ahead of her title defense
Despite these challenges, Krejcikova remains optimistic. She told reporters, "Last year was a dream, but every season is different. I believe in my game, and if I’m healthy, I know I can compete with anyone."
Medical Assessment Underway
Krejcikova’s team has confirmed she is undergoing scans to assess the severity of the leg injury. Her physiotherapist, Pavel Kral, stated, "We are being cautious. The goal is to have her ready for Wimbledon, but we won’t take unnecessary risks."
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Emma Collins weighed in, explaining that muscle strains this close to a major tournament require careful management: "If it’s a minor strain, rest and treatment could see her recover in time. But if there’s a tear, she may struggle to be competitive."
Wimbledon Draw Implications
Krejcikova’s withdrawal from Eastbourne could impact her seeding at Wimbledon. The All England Club uses a unique formula combining WTA rankings and recent grass-court performance. Missing a key warm-up event may see her seeded lower than expected, potentially leading to tougher early-round matchups.
Former British No. 1 Laura Robson noted, "Defending a title is always tough, but doing it with limited preparation and an injury makes it even harder. She’ll need a kind draw and a bit of luck."
Fans and Pundits React
The news has sparked concern among tennis fans, with many taking to social media to wish Krejcikova a speedy recovery. One fan tweeted, "Hoping Barbora is fit for Wimbledon. She’s such a joy to watch when she’s at her best."
Analysts, however, are skeptical about her chances. ESPN’s Pam Shriver commented, "Even if she plays, she won’t be at 100%. The pressure of defending a Slam with little match play is a huge ask."
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
With Wimbledon just days away, Krejcikova faces a race against time to regain fitness. Her team’s cautious approach suggests they are prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains, but the defending champion’s participation remains uncertain.
Should she compete, Krejcikova will need to channel the resilience that carried her to last year’s title. As she put it herself, "Tennis is unpredictable. Last year proved anything is possible." Fans will hope for one more magical run from the Czech star.