Former semifinalist and No.11 seed Petra Kvitova has announced her withdrawal from the French Open 2021 ahead of her second-round match against Elena Vesnina. With this, the 2-time Wimbledon champion becomes the second Grand Slam champion to drop out from the draw before the 2nd round of the French Open 2021.

Kvitova cited an ankle injury for her withdrawal from Roland Garros. Petra apparently hurt her ankle after she fell awkwardly during the post-match press conference on Sunday.

“It is with great disappointment that I announce my withdrawal 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 made the tough decision that it would be unwise to play”, announced Kvitova on Twitter.

However, the Czech is optimistic to return back for the grass-court season which is also her preferred surface.

Petra had reached the semifinals at the French Open in 2012 and last year but struggled during her 1st round match against Greet Minnen. She had to save a match point to escape in three sets 6-7(3), 7-6(5), 6-1 against the qualifier. She would now aim to get back on track as soon as possible before the Wimbledon Championships 2021 where she has got the most success in her career.

Certainly press conferences have become a talking point at the French Open this year. Earlier, today World No.2 Naomi Osaka also pulled out of the event citing mental struggles after refusing to participate in the press conference.

With this, only four top 20 players (Aryna Sabalenka, Serena Williams, Belinda Bencic, and Victoria Azarenka) are left in the bottom half of the women’s draw before the start of the second round.