The Italian Open 2020 has started. It began on 14th September, but two major players are missing from the game. The 23 Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams and US Open 2020 winner Naomi Osaka have withdrawn from the competition. The Italian Open 2020 is being conducted in Rome. It is considered as one of the most important tournaments in the world. The first game was held in 1930, and currently, they are hosting the 77th edition this year. The 1st quarter was held between Simona Halep and Petra Martic. This tournament includes Simona Halep, Sofia Kenin, Elina Svitolina, Kiki Bertens, and Belinda Bencic.

Why are Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka not participating?

Williams recently participated in the US Open with full swing. She gave it all and lost the semi-finals, which was against Victoria Azarenka, after which she announced her withdrawal from the Italian Open. She said that she has an Achilles strain because she will not be able to play or even train. This strain is caused due to excessive training and stress being built on the muscle and can damage. The tendon is responsible for physical activities such as running, jumping, and walking, and if injured, the pain can be severe. She stated that she is not in her best form and will be returning soon. Williams made a return this year for the first time after becoming a mother, running 39. Her age is indeed acting as an obstacle to her training, and she will have to struggle to reach her past level.

Naomi Osaka won the matches that were held on Thursday, after which she suffered an injury. While playing, Osaka injured her right hand. After that, she said that she would not be able to play against Kiki Bertens. Even Rodger Federer withdrew from the game after getting injured in his right leg against Stefanos Tsitsipas. With Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka not participating, the fans are highly disappointed.

Will they be a part of the French Open?

Serena Williams is now planning on spending some time with her daughter. Williams has said that she will participate in the French Open that will start from 27th September 2020. She has won the French Open 3 times in the past. Her daughter Olympia always accompanied her to her matches. Now, we will surely get to see the mother-daughter duo during the French Open too.

On the other hand, Naomi has not made any comments regarding the French Open. The French Open was initially scheduled in May but was postponed due to the pandemic. After losing the Italian Open due to the injury, she has some time to warm up for the French Open. We will have to wait to find out whether she will be playing or not.