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Press conferences at the French Open continue to remain in the headlines.
After No. 2-ranked Naomi Osaka withdrew from the tournament following a media blackout to help her mental health, Petra Kvitova, the No. 11 seed at Roland Garros, has been forced out of the major.
Kvitova announced in a statement that she has been forced to withdraw after suffering a freak injury during her “post-match press requirements” after her win over qualifier Greet Minnen.
“It is with great disappointment that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros,” the 31-year-old wrote.
“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 have made the tough decision that it would be unwise to play on it. It’s incredibly bad luck, but I will stay strong and do my best to recover in time for the grasscourt season.”
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) June 1, 2021
Kvitova was scheduled to face Russia’s Elena Vesnina in the second round on Thursday, June 3. Vesnina will now advance due to a walkover.
