PARIS: World number four Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open on Saturday due to illness, handing a significant and unexpected title boost to defending champion Iga Swiatek as Zhang Zhizhen chased history for China.
Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the third round in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier. “I was not feeling good yesterday and the day before.
I didn’t sleep last night,” said the 23-year-old Wimbledon champion. “I had fever and a headache and it’s difficult to breathe.
I tried to play in the warm-up but I feel it’s the right decision to withdraw.” Rybakina had swept into the last 32 without dropping a set.
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