The tournament draws are now wide open after Kazhak World No.4 Elena Rybakina withdraws from the French Open. According to the projected draws, the tennis fans expected a thrilling semifinal between Rybakina’s World No.1 Iga Swiatek and the Polish World no.1 Aryna Sabolenka.
Rybakina’s withdrawal is believed to be due to a high temperature and other health problems. It also means her opponent from the third round, the Spanish unseeded Sara Sorribes Tormo, will advance to the next round. Rybakina suffered a lower-back injury at the Stuttgart Open one month ago, but was able recover in time to compete at the French Open.
Rybakina could have gotten the World Number 1 ranking as well, if she had been able win the French Open in Parisian soil. Unfortunately, the illness that struck at the worst possible time ended her chances.
Elena Rybakina is one of the leading contenders to win the French Open title
Elena Rybakina, the reigning Wimbledon champion as well as the Australian Open finalist was one of the favorites to win her first French Open this year. The Polish World No.1 Iga Swaatek was defeated in the Rome Masters quarter-finals before she won the title thanks to a walkover against Anhelina Kalina. She was leading 6-4, 1-1 when her opponent withdrew.
Rybakina’s fans and herself must be in a state of shock at this time, as the odds were stacked in her favor to win the first title in the tournament. Since the withdrawal was not caused by a serious injury she can look forward to returning stronger at Wimbledon.
Due to Rybakina withdrawing, the battle for world number one will now be between Aryna Sabalenka and Iga SWiatak. Swiatek’s third-round match will be played today, while Sabalenka is already in the fourth round at the French Open.
