Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Italian Open in Rome due to illness. This unfortunate development was announced just hours before she was scheduled to begin her title defense against Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu. Rybakina, who won the WTA 1000 tournament in Rome last year by defeating Anhelina Kalinina in the final, expressed her disappointment in not being able to compete this year due to not feeling well enough. She mentioned looking forward to returning next year to reclaim her title and play in front of the Italian fans.
Rybakina released the following statement: “I’m sorry to have to miss the tournament this year, but unfortunately I don’t feel well enough to compete.”
The world No. 4 is expected to recover in time for the French Open later this month, where she is anticipated to be among the favorites for the title. Her withdrawal from the Italian Open has been met with well wishes for a speedy recovery from the tournament organizers and fans alike.
Elena Rybakina in 2024
Ranked no.4, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 2nd of May when she lost to world no.2 Aryna Sabalenka 1-6 7-5 7-6(5) in the semifinal in Madrid (draw).
Presently, during this year the Kazakhstani achieved a compiled 30-5 win-loss record. Elena has won 3 titles in 2024 in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. Rybakina was the finalist in Doha and Miami.
Elena Rybakina will face the world no.161 Irina-Camelia Begu in the 2nd round on Friday at 1:00 pm on CENTER COURT. Their current head to head is 1-0 for Begu.
The Kazakhstani clinched 3 titles in 2024 in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart. Rybakina got to the final in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open) and in Miami (Miami Open).
The Kazakhstani won 8 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)