Illness forces Kvitova out in Paris

Second seed and world number six Petra Kvitova has withdrawn from the Open GDF Suez in Paris due to illness. The Czech player, who won the WTA Premier hard-court event in 2011, was due to face France's Alize Cornet for a place in the quarter-finals but after struggling with her breathing during practice she has withdrawn on medical advice. Kvitova was given a wild card for the event as a former winner and had been handed a bye into the second round by the tournament organisers. "I really wanted to play today but unfortunately I spoke with the doctor and I am not feeling well," she announced. "I have a sore throat and I tried to practice this morning, but after 10 minutes I realised I could not breathe so unfortunately I have to withdraw. "I was so happy to receive a wild card from the tournament, and I worked hard last week to be ready for it. I am really sad that I can't play as it is my favourite tournament. I have great memories from here, but my health is my priority." The 23-year-old will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, who will face Cornet on Thursday.