TORONTO, August 2, 2019 (Tennis Canada Press Release)

Tennis Canada announced on Friday that Petra Kvitova has withdrawn from Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Toronto due to injury.

The two-time Wimbledon champion was hoping to repeat the glory of her 2012 Rogers Cup title win but requires more time to recover from an arm issue that initially flared up during the French Open earlier this year.

“I’m so disappointed to have to withdraw from the Rogers Cup,” Kvitova commented. “My forearm injury is continuing to cause some problems so, on the advice of my medical team, I have made the decision not to travel to Canada. I will really miss being in Toronto this year and wish Karl and the tournament every success.”

Following Kvitova’s withdrawal, Serena Williams is now a Top-8 seed and it has been confirmed she will play her opening match during Wednesday’s night session. A three-time Rogers Cup champion, Williams won the tournament in 2001, 2011 and 2013.

For her part, Venus Williams will take the available spot in the main draw and her now-vacant WTA Wild Card will be handed to two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova.

This summer, Toronto will host the very best women’s tennis during the Premier 5 event. In addition to the on-court action, the tournament will feature a variety of activities for all, including the 407 ETR Free Community Weekend, which will take place from August 3 to 4.

Tickets are on sale online at www.rogerscup.com