One other dangerous information has shaken the Internazionali BNL d’Italia: Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the match as a consequence of sickness. The Kazakh tennis participant, defending champion, introduced the information a number of hours earlier than her match in Rome.
The organizers of the WTA 1000 in Rome on the identical time introduced the 24-year-old’s withdrawal.
“The participant is pressured to withdraw from the match as a consequence of sickness and she or he shall be changed by Oceane Dodin. We want our 2023 champion a speedy restoration,” wrote the match ina submit on X.
Elena Rybakina is pressured to withdraw from the match as a consequence of sickness and shall be changed by Oceane Dodin.
We want our 2023 champion a speedy restoration. ❤️#IBI24 | @WTA
— Internazionali BNL d’Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 10, 2024
Rybakina was thought-about on the eve of one of many potential rivals to Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, the 2 favorites to win the title. That is the third withdrawal of the season – after the WTA 1000 in Dubai and Indian Wells – for the Kazakh lady, who was recent from the semi-final in Madrid.
“Sadly I do not really feel properly sufficient to compete. I’ve nice recollections of final yr and I used to be very eager to defend my title. Rome is so particular to me and I can not wait to return subsequent yr to win the title again and taking part in in entrance of the Italian followers,” mentioned Elena, explaining the rationale for her withdrawal.
Just a few phrases from our reigning champ ❤️🩹#IBI24 pic.twitter.com/IjJ9gOQvLB
— Internazionali BNL d’Italia (@InteBNLdItalia) May 10, 2024
One other arduous blow for the occasion in Rome, which appears to have nearly a curse on this 2024 version. With the Kazakh leaving the scene prematurely, with out even taking part in a match, Coco Gauff can additional enhance the hole within the rankings and safe the highest 3 within the WTA rating. The American has now turn into the primary candidate to interrupt the dualism of the Pole and the Belarusian on the WTA Tour. the younger US star finds himself on Swiatek’s facet of the desk, who he might meet within the semi-finals.
