Petra Kvitova has withdrawn from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to an unspecified illness.

The world No.3 will be replaced in the draw by German No.9 seed Sabine Lisicki, who will now enjoy a bye in the first round having replaced a top-four seed.

“I am really sorry to have gotten sick prior to the start of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Kvitova. “I love playing in Dubai and I'm so disappointed to not be able to get on the plane and go and play for the fans and those amazing crowds. I will definitely be back next year and for many years to come."

Kvitova last played two Fed Cup matches earlier this month in Germany but missed the tournament in Doha last week. 

The Czech reigning Wimbledon champion has played in Dubai twice before in 2009 and 2011, losing in the first round on both occasions.