Clara Tauson Retires From Italian Open With Back Injury

Tauson’s comeback cut short as back pain forces Rome withdrawal

Tauson received on-court treatment for her back before withdrawing, marking two months since she last completed a singles match.

Oliynykova won six straight games to take the first set after Tauson initially broke serve in the opening game...

Clara Tauson’s difficult season persisted as she pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome due to ongoing back pain. The Dane retired after dropping the first set 1-6 and falling behind 1-3 in the second against Ukraine’s world No. 68 Oleksandra Oliynykova, appearing hampered by the same back issue.

Tauson’s return to singles competition after a six-week injury layoff ended abruptly when back trouble forced her to retire in the second set of her Thursday match against Oliynykova at the WTA 1000 event in Rome.

Tauson hadn’t played a singles match since March 20, when she retired against Katie Boulter in Miami. Her comeback in Rome ended the same way, with another unfinished match.

Down 1-3 in the second set, Tauson retired against Oliynykova after losing the opening set 6-1.

The Dane told TV 2 Sport before the tournament that she had been dealing with back problems for over six months, and the issue was still evident in Rome. She received on-court treatment for her back from a physiotherapist before eventually retiring.

Tauson did play a doubles match in Madrid two weeks ago but withdrew from her singles event there. It’s now been two months since she last finished a singles match.

Against Oliynykova, Tauson looked a long way from the form that carried her through last season.

Tauson opened the match with a break in the first game but quickly lost momentum as Oliynykova took control.

The Ukrainian clay-court specialist used an unorthodox style, staying deep behind the baseline and playing with patience. Tauson struggled to handle the rhythm and couldn’t find a way to finish points.

Tauson lacked both power and accuracy, and had trouble closing out rallies. Oliynykova looked composed in contrast, winning six straight games to take the first set in just 30 minutes.

After receiving treatment from a physiotherapist for the back injury that’s troubled her for six months, Tauson retired from the match.