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Two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek retired in the third set of her Italian Open quarter-final against Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina due to a right thigh injury.
It was 2-2 in the third when the top-ranked Swiatek retired after more than two hours of play.
She had won the first set 6-2 then Rybakina claimed second set 7-6 (7-3).
The retirement raises questions over her status for the upcoming French Open, which starts in 10 days and where she is the defending champion.
Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Swiatek said: "Quick update. A couple of days off for sure. And booking my flight to Paris, so... fingers crossed, please! Hopefully, see you soon."
Fitness permitting, she will still go into the French Open as the title favourite but her lead over the rest of the women's field has narrowed, with Aryna Sabalenka and Rybakina both ahead of her in the 2023 standings.
Sabalenka, who beat Swiatek to win the Madrid Open earlier this month, has never been beyond the third round in Paris but winning the title could see her overtake her rival to become world number one.