This content was published 2 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.

Sadly, Venus Williams and Casper Ruud announced this morning their withdrawal from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia 2021. In the evening, Bianca Andreescu was also forced to renounce to her partecipation. Their slot in both draws will be taken by a qualifier or a lucky loser.

Ruud will therefore not defend the semi-final that he had reached last autumn, which was the first ever for him at a Masters 1000 level. His decision came following his lost semi-final match in Madrid against Matteo Berrettini, due to a wrist problem. The Norwegian was set to play against Denis Shapovalov in one of the most anticipated first rounds of the tournament.

In addition, he will also not take part to the doubles’ tournament, where he was lined up with Marton Fucsovics.

1999 champion in Rome Venus Williams has also decided not to play this week. She had been given a Wild Card to the main draw and was drawn against 2019 champion Karolina Pliskova. The Czech was the moved to take the slot in the draw of Andreescu, who was also forced to withdraw from the tournament.