Petra Kvitova has joined the list of Dubai Championships absentees, with the two-time Wimbledon winner pulling out with a leg injury.
The Czech is fresh from her second straight title, winning in Qatar over Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza after lifting the trophy in her previous event in St Petersburg.
Kvitova is now back in the top 10 little more than a year after suffering serious cuts to her hand during a home invasion.
“I am really disappointed to be withdrawing,” Kvitova said in a statement. “I spent my off-season in Dubai this year and was really looking forward to being back at a tournament where I have had some great results.
“After playing a lot of tennis in the past few weeks, and winning the title, my whole body is in much need of a rest. I can’t wait to be back in Dubai next year and wish you all the best this week.”
Kvitova joins Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep in missing the week through injury.