"Last week I would say I was struggling a lot with the allergies" - Rome Open preparation hampered for Elena Rybakina as allergies kick in

Elena Rybakina has offered a health update after seemingly struggling with allergies ahead of the Rome Open. The former champion will hope to overcome these obstacles after slipping up at the Madrid Open.

She failed to make it past the fourth round with a sublime Anastasia Potapova capitalising on her lucky loser status to the fullest and taking down the world number two in scintillating fashion. It was a hugely eye-catching result which blew the tournament wide open among other big seeds dropping out.

For Rybakina, it was another opportunity missed. She commenced her clay swing on the front foot, winning out over a stacked field at the Stuttgart Open, earning herself a brand-new Porsche. This followed a brace of defeats to the hands of Aryna Sabalenka in the Sunshine swing, not able to repeat the tricks that earned her those wins against the world number one at the WTA Finals or Australian Open.

On the topic of Grand Slams, the French Open is right around the corner, and Rome is always a favoured event for many to get themselves some momentum on their side ahead of the second major tournament of the calendar year.

However, the Kazakh could be halted in her tracks if she is not careful. Since making the trip to the Italian capital, she has not been coping well, seeing her allergies take centre stage. Rybakina has been struggling with them, some days more than others, but hope she will adjust and they will disappear.

“Well, I could say that I wish I would feel better because last week I would say I was struggling a lot with the allergies," she told the media. "Now it's getting better. We are trying with the team, we are adjusting all our practices. We need to really see day by day how I feel. Some days are better; some days are worse. The day when it's rain for me is the best right now.”

Adding to that, she emphasised more physical preparation ahead of this specific tournament. “We wanted to do much more physically to prepare for this tournament. I think we did a good job. Of course, there is a lot to always improve and do even better.”

Surprisingly, Rybakina has only won two WTA 1000 titles. They both came in 2023 at Indian Wells and the Rome Open. The latter saw her dump out a once imperious Iga Swiatek. The four-time Roland Garros champion was forced to go the distance before retiring with injury, handing Rybakina a free pathway into the semi-finals. She defeated Jelena Ostapenko with ease before breezing past the 30th seed Anhelina Kalinina with another retirement aiding her dearly.

That was the last WTA 1000 title she won. After not competing in the Italian capital in 2024, her barren spell on court in 2025 continued when former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu took her down in the third round. A huge upset and big disappointment.

Obviously, the tables have turned for Rybakina who again is the second seed for this tournament. Aside from that title, she has not made it past the third round in the other three attempts.

To make it further this time around, it will not be easy. The winner of former world number three Maria Sakkari or 18-year-old talent Lilli Tagger will be rewarded with the chance to compete against Rybakina. If she gets past that, then possibly the 31st seed Wang Xinyu or Alexandra Eala could be in her way. Later on, Jessica Pegula or Swiatek could be her challenge in the semi-final with Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva or Amanda Anisimova possible final threats if she was to make it that far.