Elena Rybakina's bid to the add the French Open to her 2022 Wimbledon title is over after she withdrew from the tournament ahead of her third-round match because of illness.
The fourth seed, who was widely tipped to prevail at Roland Garros after winning the Italian Open in Rome last month, breezed through her first two matches without losing as set, beating teenagers Brenda Fruhvirtova and Linda Noskova. But ahead of what was billed as another expected win against Sara Sorribes Tormo, she revealed she was pulling out having consulted doctors.
Rybakina has been poised to open play on Court Philippe-Chatrier at 11.45am local time (10.45am BST). However, having arrived early to warm-up, it became clear she was struggling.
