Dubai [UAE], Feb 19 (ANI): Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki has withdrawn from the ongoing Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships due to a viral illness.

The 28-year-old, who was scheduled to play Swiss tennis player Stefanie Voegele, expressed disappointment over the same but asserted that she needs to be fair to herself, as well.

“It sucks. I was prepared and was ready to play. I was hoping to recover in time and get ready to play the game but I just wasn't. I have to fair to myself as well. If I cannot even play at reasonable level there is no reason for me to be out there,” Caroline said.

The illness came as a big blow to the Denmark player as she holds a good record in the tournament. She had clinched the trophy in 2011 and had reached the semi-final stage, four times, WTA reported.

Caroline was suffering from the same illness during the 2019 Australian open where she failed to defend the title after going down against Maria Sharapova in the third round.

Dubai Duty Free Championship , which started on February 15, will conclude on March 2. (ANI)