The unprecedented withdrawal woes at the 2017 Aegon Classic in Birmingham continued on Sunday as the tournament had to deal with losing world #1 Angelique Kerber from the draw.
Kerber announced her withdrawal from the tournament during her pre-event press conference on Sunday morning, citing a left hamstring injury. To prepare for Wimbledon, the German will instead play next week’s Aegon International in Eastbourne.
The bad news from Kerber is the latest blow in a string of high-profile withdrawals the tournament has had to suffer in recent weeks, as more than ten players from the original entry list won’t be showing up in the Edgebaston Priory Club, including Maria Sharapova, last year’s champion Madison Keys, world #2 Simona Halep, and several others.
One player that has safely arrived and is healthy to play is Petra Kvitova. The Czech Wimbledon champion is recovering from the hand injury sustained during the knife attack she suffered in December, Birmingham being just the second tournament on her way back, following her return in Paris.
Main-draw play in Birmingham will get underway on Monday, following the four qualifying finals in the morning. Keep checking back to Women’s Tennis Blog for all the latest from the Aegon Classic!
MORE PHOTOS FROM BIRMINGHAM:
There are so many withdrawals in Birmingham. Maybe because a lot of players want to rest and be ready for Wimbledon.
Yes, Emman, I think that may very well be the situation. Angie seems to be having a difficult time on the court these days and seems confused, which is sort of weird. Nonetheless, I sincerely wish her well. “Get well, and get back on the path of becoming a legendary female tennis player, Angie! You can do it.”
I believe she is really having a bad year but I know she’ll bounce back again soon.