Rybakina wins Rome title after ailing Kalinina retires

Rome, May 21 (BNA): World number six Elena Rybakina prepared for the French Open with her Italian Open title victory on Saturday after her Ukrainian opponent, Anilina Kalinina, was forced to retire due to a left leg injury while trailing 6-4 1.0.

Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina got off to a flying start in the rain-delayed competition by dropping the opener before the Wimbledon champion leveled 3-3 and then sealed the first set with a late break.

Kalinina, who is playing in the second singles final of her career, called the coach onto the court after losing the opening match of the second set before leaving the match in tears.

The victory ensured Australian Open runner-up Rybakina clinched her second title of the year after defeating Indian Wells and fifth overall.

The 23-year-old, who won three of her matches in Rome after her rivals retired, will finish out of the top five on Monday.

She also reached the final in Miami and headed to Roland Garros as the best contender for the second Grand Slam of the year.

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