Iga Swiatek has issued an emphatic statement to her French Open rivals on a sad day for one of her biggest threats at Roland Garros, Elena Rybakina. Following the devastating news that Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina had withdrawn from the grand slam tournament with illness, Swiatek put on an absolute clinic.
Poland’s three-time major winner was in ruthless form on Philippe Chatrier, defeating an opponent 6-0 6-0 for the fourth time in her career and first at a grand slam when she disposed of China’s Wang Xinyu with ease. The Chinese star was the unfortunate recipient as Swiatek hit top form at Roland Garros – with social media lighting up about the ‘bagel factory’ the Pole has been running so methodically.
“I don’t want to really talk about that,” said the 22-year-old. “I really get why people do that, because it’s fun and tennis is entertainment and everything. But, from the players’ point of view, I want to be respectful to my opponents.”
Swiatek’s dazzling performance aside, it couldn’t disguise the sense of sadness in the tennis world that fans had been robbed of a potentially mouthwatering showdown with Rybakina, following news of the Kazakh’s withdrawal. Rybakina was set to face Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in the third round, before making the devastating announcement that she was unable to play due to a nasty virus.
“I was not feeling good yesterday and the day before. I didn’t sleep last night,” an emotional Rybakina explained to reporters. “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.
“I guess with my allergy that my immune system just went down and I picked up something. The doctor said there’s a virus in Paris.
“I‘m really upset not being able to play, but I guess that’s life. There is a lot of ups and downs. Today I just wanted to give 100 per cent, and obviously I’m far from being 100 per cent.”
