French Open 2023: World No. 4 Elena Rybakina withdraws due to respiratory illness

World number-4 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the French Open due to upper respiratory illness. The reigning Wimbledon champion made the announcement ahead of her third round match against Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo. The 23-year-old Rybakina revealed she started feeling unwell after her second round match. Despite her hopes of competing, she struggled to tolerate even 10 minutes of court time.

Elena Rybakina on return from Roland Garros:

“I had a fever, a headache, I think you can hear it too_”

She looks really sick. Her voice is hoarse and it sounds like she has been coughing all night. I’m surprised she even went to the press conference ____

pic.twitter.com/xuj10PJjLY– The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2023

According to the WTA, Rybakina said, “I showed the doctor and he said it was, in fact, a virus in Paris. I think with my allergies, my immune system just went down and I picked something up. As That I said, I was not sleeping properly for two days. I had fever and headache. I think you can hear (my voice) also.” She added, “So, yes, it is difficult to perform and obviously run and even breathe. So I think that was the only right decision I could have made.”

Having won two WTA 1000 events this year, including a recent win over clay in Rome, Rybakina was aiming to capitalize on her momentum in Paris in 2021 by reaching the quarterfinals. She did not drop a set in her first two matches, defeating Brenda Fruhvirtova. and Linda Noskova. Her 6–3, 6–3 victory over Noskova marked her eighth consecutive victory.

Expressing her disappointment, Rybakina commented, “Of course, I’m really upset about not being able to play, but I guess that’s life. There’s a lot of ups and downs. Today I just want to give 100 percent.” And obviously, I’m far from being 100 percent.” She further explained, “Yeah, I was really positive coming here, but like I said, you never know how you’re going to feel. It was unfortunate for me. Yeah, I just try to be okay.” And I try my best to be ready for it.” Hay season already.”

Rybkina’s upcoming tournaments during the grass season include defending her title at Berlin, Eastbourne and Wimbledon. With her return, Sorribes Tormo advances via a walkover and secures her first round of 16 at a Grand Slam. She will face the winner of the match between 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia and 23rd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.