Rybakina Triumphs at Italian Open, Sets Sights on French Open Glory

In a rain-delayed final, Elena Rybakina, the world number six, emerged victorious at the Italian Open, securing the championship as her opponent, Anhelina Kalinina, retired due to a left leg injury while trailing 6-4 1-0.

The Moscow-born Kazakh player faced a tense start as she dropped her opening service game, but she quickly regained her composure, leveling the score at 3-3 before seizing the first set with a late break.

Unfortunately, Kalinina, appearing in her second career singles final, called for the trainer after losing the first game of the second set and tearfully withdrew from the match.

This victory marks Rybakina’s second title of the year, following her triumph at Indian Wells, and her fifth overall. Notably, three of her matches in Rome ended in retirements by her opponents.

As a result of her impressive performance, the 23-year-old will break into the top five rankings on Monday, solidifying her position as a top contender for the upcoming French Open. Her notable run to the final in Miami further highlights her potential to make a significant impact at the year’s second major tournament.

With her recent successes, Rybakina is poised to make her mark on the tennis world and showcase her talent on the grand stage of Roland Garros.

Re reported the article from the story originally published in Reuters