11 May 2024, 5:17 a.m.
In a surprising turn of events, defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Rome tennis tournament due to illness, effectively ending her reign. Rybakina, who had been practicing diligently after her loss in the Madrid semifinals, expressed her disappointment at having to withdraw. She conveyed her hopes to return next year to defend her title, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the sport.
This unexpected development has opened up the draw for other players, notably Maria Sakkari and others in the third quarter. They now have an opportunity to make their mark in the tournament, which was previously dominated by Rybakina.
This isn't the first time Rybakina has had to withdraw from a tournament due to illness. She had previously withdrawn from Indian Wells, indicating a pattern of health-related issues interfering with her participation in major tournaments.
Despite these setbacks, Rybakina's spirit remains undeterred. Her dedication to the sport and her determination to return stronger next year is commendable. As the tennis world awaits her return, the Rome tournament continues, with players vying to fill the void left by Rybakina's departure.