Tennis-Rybakina's clay performances boost French Open hopes, health permitting

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - May 2, 2024 Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in action during her semi final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Juan Medina

(Reuters) - Elena Rybakina has had her French Open preparations hampered by illness but her performances on clay this year should give her confidence if the world number four can stay healthy.

In March, unwell Rybakina pulled out of Indian Wells and was then unable to defend her Italian Open title in Rome so, after her Roland Garros withdrawal last year before her third round tie, the Kazakh will be eager to make amends.