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World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who has dominated the WTA tour over the last two months, has withdrawn from the Madrid Open. Swiatek attributed her decision to an arm injury.
Carlos Alcaraz's rise in the men's game has been an incredible story. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka feels the same, stating that the teen phenom has made the ATP tour exciting.
Another teenager making waves on the ATP tour is Holger Rune, who scored a huge win over World No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the BMW Open.
Meanwhile, Roland Garros won't be following in the footsteps of Wimbledon, as Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete in Paris.
The women's action at the Madrid Open is set to begin on Thursday, with some exciting matches lined up. Here's a round-up of the day's headlines:
Iga Swiatek to miss Madrid Open due to shoulder injury
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has played and won a lot recently. Having won four tournaments in a row, she was expected to be the favorite to win the Madrid Open and build on her 23-match winning streak.
However, Swiatek has withdrawn from the tournament due to an arm injury that has troubled her since the Miami Open in March. She announced on Twitter:
"After intense last few weeks and winning four titles in a row its time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven't had a chance to handle it properly."
Swiatek went on to add that she has decided to skip the tournament in order to recover and be ready for the Italian Open and Roland Garros next month.
"I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm and that's why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open. My body needs rest. I'm going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris. See you soon there."
Swiatek concluded the post by stating that she hopes to play in Madrid "many times in the future."
Also Check Out :-ATP Rankings
"I feel like he's genuinely made everyone excited about the ATP" - Naomi Osaka on Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz's rapid rise to the top of the men's game has taken the world by storm. He has been one of the best players on the tour this season and recently made his top-10 debut.
Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka has been keeping a close eye on his journey as well and feels the teenager has made everyone excited about the ATP once again. She told France24:
"I feel like he's genuinely made everyone excited about the ATP and I haven't seen that in a very long time. I think just his game style, just how pumped he is, how I feel like I'm watching him learn with every tournament."
Osake went on to add:
"I don't know what his ranking was last year here, but I've watched almost every tournament that he's played, the US Open when he played (Stefanos) Tsitsipas and just to see the growth I think is really exciting for everyone."
Osaka and Alcaraz are both currently competing at the Madrid Open. The Japanese will face Anastasia Potapova in the first round, while the men's draw is yet to be revealed.
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev loses to Holger Rune
Carlos Alcaraz isn't the only teenager rising up the ranks. Holger Rune is also slowly making his way to the top and the 18-year-old scored the biggest win of his career at the BMW Open on Wednesday (April 27).
Rune defeated World No. 3 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-2 in the second round in Munich. He outclassed his higher-ranked opponent in every aspect of the game to advance to the quarterfinals.
Rune will take on Emil Ruusuvuori for a spot in the semifinals.
Russian and Belarusian players to be allowed to compete at Roland Garros
Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing this year has polarized the tennis community and put other tournaments under pressure to do the same. However, Roland Garros won't follow in the footsteps of their British counterparts.
As per RMC Sports, Russian and Belarusian athletes will be allowed to compete at this year's Roland Garros. They'll participate under a neutral flag and if they win, their national anthem won't be played.
Madrid Open gets underway
The main draw action at the 2022 Madrid Open is set to begin on Thursday. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 2 Paula Badosa and top 10 players Karolina Pliskova and Ons Jabeur are some of the big names in action.
Simona Halep is returning from an injury layoff and will take on Zhang Shuai in the first round. Former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko and teen star Coco Gauff are also scheduled to play on Thursday.
Also Check Out :- Madrid Open 2022 Results
