'I have to find out what is going on': Barbora Krejcikova's hopes for Wimbledon title defense dented after Eastbourne retirement

Barbora Krejcikova has pulled out of the Eastbourne International due to injury, just days before she's set to begin her title defense at Wimbledon. The former world No. 2 had reached the quarterfinals in Eastbourne, securing her first consecutive wins of the year against local players Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage, both in grueling three-set battles.

However, she opted to withdraw from her quarterfinal match against Varvara Gracheva, aiming to protect her physical condition.

Krejicikova played a total of five hours across her first two matches, which seems to have taken a toll. She reported discomfort in her right thigh. "I am sorry that I had to withdraw from Eastbourne. My right thigh hurts and it didn't get better overnight, but rather worse," Krejcikova stated in a press release. "I think it is better to rest before Wimbledon. I have to find out what is going on and fix it."

The 29-year-old has battled physical issues throughout the year and hasn't had much consistency in competition since the 2024 WTA Finals. This season, she missed almost five months of play, returning at the Strasbourg Open in mid-May.

The 2024 Wimbledon champion will now try to recover for Wimbledon amidst physical doubts. With limited recent competition, the two-time Grand Slam champion risks falling close to the Top 100 if she doesn't achieve at least a deep run at the All England Club.