Krejcikova declares fitness for SW19 title defence

BARBORA Krejcikova insists she is fit for her Wimbledon title defence, despite suffering a thigh injury scare just days before the tournament.

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Krejcikova's participation at the All England Club was thrown into doubt after she withdrew from the warm-up event at Eastbourne on Thursday.

The 29-year-old pulled out ahead of her quarter-final clash with Varvara Gracheva, having sustained the injury during her second-round victory over Britain's Jodie Burrage on Wednesday. However, after several days of rest, the Czech star is confident the injury will not hinder her attempt to retain the Venus Rosewater Dish.

"I had to have a couple of days off where I didn't really play any tennis, but I did some off-court work. I've been feeling a little bit better every day, so I'm really happy with that," she said, at the All England Club on Sunday.

"I hope by Tuesday everything is going to be fine. I'm hoping for a nice match and a great tournament."

Krejcikova opens her campaign on Centre Court against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in the first round on Tuesday. Eala made history by becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA final with her run to the Eastbourne title match on Saturday.