French Open champion Ashleigh Barty and British No.1 Johanna Konta, who reached the semi-finals, have withdrawn from the Nottingham Open.
Konta reached her third Grand Slam semi before losing to Marketa Vondrousova on Friday morning, while Australian Barty won her first major title after comfortably beating the Czech teenager on Saturday afternoon on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
“Regretfully after speaking to my team, I have decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the Nature Valley Open in Nottingham,” said GB number one Konta.
"After the couple weeks I spent here in Paris, my body is pretty exhausted from all the matches I have played.
"Nottingham is one of my favourite events. The courts are wonderful so I’m disappointed not to be there this year, but I certainly look forward to seeing all the fantastic fans back there again next year.”
Meanwhile, Roland Garros champion Barty said she hoped to return to the city next summer after beating Konta in the final a year ago.
“I am sorry to miss returning to Nottingham and the chance to defend my title. Nottingham is one of my favourite tournaments and a place that I hold fond memories of,” said the Australian, who is now the world number two.
"I want to thank Rebecca James and her team for their support and wish them the best of luck for the week ahead. I hope to be back and start my grass season here next year.”
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Despite the obvious blow, tournament director Rebecca James still urged fans to get their fix of tennis over the next week.
“There is much for fans to look forward this year with the likes of 2018 champion Donna Vekic and former world No.4 Caroline García in the women’s draw, along with Dan Evans and local star Jay Clarke in the mens,” she said.
"Of course, we were disappointed to lose Ashleigh and Johanna after their great runs in Paris, but we look forward to seeing them back here again in the future.
"We will have a host of other Brits such as Heather Watson, Liam Broady, Harriet Dart, Jack Draper, Paul Jubb and Katie Swan who will all be in action during the first couple of days next week. It promises to be a thrilling week of tennis.”
The Nature Valley Open takes place at the Nottingham Tennis Centre with qualifying under way this weekend, part of the super hero-themed Family Fun Weekend which is sure to be a great day out for all the family with free admission for children.
Centre court ticket prices start from just £10 for children under-16 and £21 for adults. To purchase tickets or to access more information about the Nature Valley Open, head to www.lta.org.uk/naturevalleyopen .