World tennis number one Angelique Kerber has withdrawn from this week's Aegon Classic in Birmingham.

She's missing the traditional Wimbledon warm-up event because of a hamstring injury and says she doesn't want to risk aggravating the problem.

The German's hopeful of recovering in time to play at Eastbourne, which starts a week tomorrow.

"I love Birmingham," she said. "Of course I'm disappointed and sad that I've pulled out today because I'm not 100% fit."

She added of the Aegon International: "Eastbourne is a tournament I've loved playing over the years. The courts are world class and the fans are wonderful, so I'm very excited to get back there and get back playing on the grass."