Petra Kvitova has been forced to withdraw from the end-of-season WTA Championships in Istanbul due to illness, with Samantha Stosur replacing her.
The 22-year-old world number six, who won last year’s Wimbledon, had been well beaten by Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3 6-2 in her opener in the White Group on Tuesday.
Now, Stosur will be thrust into the action fresh from reaching the final of the Kremlin Cup last week. She will join Maria Sharapova, Sara Errani and Radwanska in the group.
“I came to Istanbul straight from Moscow where I played on Sunday, so I got here late, so obviously it is a little bit strange to come here straight after playing a tournament as an alternate and now get a chance to play in the Championships,’’ Stosur said.
“Obviously, it’s never good when a player pulls out, but I will make the best of the opportunity and look forward to playing tomorrow. I am at Championships for the third time and really happy to be here in Istanbul.”