Defending Italian Open champion Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the tournament because of illness.
“I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year, but unfortunately I do not feel well enough to compete,” said Rybakina, the world No 4 and 2022 Wimbledon champion.
“I have such good memories from last year and was looking forward to defending my title. Rome is so special to me, and I look forward to being back next year to reclaim my title and play in front of the Italian fans.”
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Rybakina was a semi-finalist last week at the Madrid Open, losing a thrilling three-setter to Arnya Sabalenka.
During the tournament she discussed the pre-French Open events in Madrid and Rome expanding to become two-week events. “It may make sense for Indian Wells and Miami, but to do it in these two events (Madrid and the Italian Open) shortly before Roland Garros? With the new rules there’s no room to choose, we’re forced to compete in too many events. We’re going in wrong direction.”
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Then in her pre-tournament press conference in Rome on Tuesday, a withdrawn Rybakina said: “Well, I didn’t practice for, like, three, four days. Today I managed to hit a bit. Yeah, I think that’s the way to keep on going because it’s not easy with our schedule.”
She added that: “It’s becoming a bit boring to really stay too long in these tournaments (the two-week Masters).”
