Marketa Vondrousova achieved something sensational at last year's Wimbledon. But now the sixth-ranked Czech player may miss the chance to defend her title.
The 24-year-old slipped badly in a tournament in Berlin and was forced to retire due to injury during the first set against Anna Kalinskaja.
The star was leading the match 5–3 when disaster struck, and Vondrousova immediately called for a doctor. She then chose to continue playing, but after two more games, at 5–5, the Czech player realised it was not working and decided to retire from the match.
The tournament was the 24-year-old's first on grass this season.
Wimbledon begins on 2 July, where Vondrousova had planned to try to defend her coveted title. Now it is unclear whether the reigning champion will be able to participate at all.
