Jasmine Paolini, Italy's No. 1 in the WTA rankings and one of the most prominent figures on the international tennis scene, has announced her withdrawal from the WTA 500 in Washington and the WTA 1000 in Toronto due to a foot problem that has kept her sidelined.
The Italian player, coming off an intense season, has had to raise the white flag because of persistent foot discomfort that prevented her from adequately preparing for the North American swing. The withdrawal from Washington was already anticipated, but the concurrent forfeit from Toronto — a prestigious WTA 1000 event — highlights her intention not to rush her recovery.
Despite Paolini's absence, Italy will still be represented in the main draw of the WTA 500 in Washington by Elisabetta Cocciaretto. The player from the Marche region, currently ranked No. 56 in the world, will try to make her way through a tournament featuring a high-level field. Cocciaretto's path won't be easy: she will face tough opponents right from the early rounds.
