Paris, Feb 7: Sabine Lisicki of Germany and Kaia Kanepi of Estonia withdrew Monday from the Open GDF Suez.
Lisicki is suffering from a viral illness while Kanepi is still recovering from a right shoulder injury.
Kanepi won the Brisbane International last month before losing in the second round of the Australian Open.
"I have been suffering with inflammation in my neck and shoulder since my last match at the Australian Open and have tried to get ready to play but have not been able to," Kanepi said.
Lisicki was seeded fifth at the Parisian tournament and lost her singles matches last weekend in Germany's 4-1 defeat to the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup.
"I don't feel well and have (a) viral illness so I am going to go home and get better," the Wimbledon semifinalist said. "It would have been my first time playing Open GDF Suez, but I promise to be back next year."
As a result of those withdrawals, Alberta Brianti of Italy and Varvara Lepchenko of the United States were promoted to the main draw as lucky losers.
