Simona Halep forced to withdraw from the Aegon Classic Birmingham

The 24-year-old Romanian is not risking the injury on her left foot with Wimbledon just two weeks away.

She had hoped to use the grass-court Women's Tennis Association event, which includes two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and British number one Johanna Konta, as preparation for SW19.

"I started to feel it since I came here," said Halep. "I have some fluid inside the tendon so the doctor says that I have to rest for a few days.

"It's nothing serious but it's a bit sore. I have almost two weeks to recover before Wimbledon so I will take a few days rest and then some treatment and then start to play again.

"I'm really disappointed. This was my first tournament on grass and it was important to have some matches but I cannot change things.

"It's important to take care of my body. I would like to come back next year for sure. It's my second time here and I like this tournament.

"I hope to come back next year and I look forward to having another chance to play in front of the fans here."

Tournament director Patrick Hughesman said: "We're disappointed for Simona and we wish her a speedy recovery with her injury.

"Fortunately for the tournament we still have some of the biggest stars in tennis and the best line-up of players in the tournament's history. We look forward to welcome Simona back next year."

The Aegon Classic Birmingham, which started yesterday and continues until Sunday, June 19, has been affected by rain so far.