Barty retires in Rome shock as Paris looms
Ash Barty dramatically abandoned her Internazionali d'Italia quarter-final against Coco Gauff on Saturday (AEST) because of a right arm injury.
The world No.1 was leading 6-4 2-1 in Rome when, with her left thigh also heavily strapped, she pulled out of the match after talks with a trainer.
Barty's decision was precautionary as she will begin her French Open campaign in a little more than two weeks' time, bidding to regain the title she won two years ago.
The scare came just hours after world No.3 Simona Halep announced she tore a calf muscle this week, putting the Romanian's Roland Garros prospects in some doubt.
Providing an update after the match with Gauff, which was interrupted by a rain delay, Australian Barty said: "The pain was becoming too severe so it was important to listen to my body and do the right thing knowing we have a slam."
Gauff, who had hit 12 winners to 15 unforced errors prior to her opponent's withdrawal, will now compete in her first career WTA 1000 semi-final.
Karolina Pliskova remained on course for a second Rome triumph in three years, after saving three match points to edge out Jelena Ostapenko.
The 2019 champion, who also finished runner-up last year, was 5-4 down in the final set when digging deep to hold off her No.49-ranked opponent.
The thrilling match went to a tie-break and Pliskova reeled off seven straight points after losing the opener to advance 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7-1).
"I'm just proud of how I fought," Pliskova said. "I'm happy that I stayed in there and fought until the end.
"We played last month, so I knew what was going to be happening. You can never get ready for some of the balls which she's playing."
Petra Martic stands between Pliskova and a place in the final for the third year running after the Croatian defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-4.
Pegula eliminated Naomi Osaka earlier in the week but was second best against Martic, who progressed in one hour and 40 minutes.
Martic trailed 2-0 in the opening set before twice breaking Pegula to move 3-2 in front, but her opponent hit back to make it 5-5 in a tight contest.
However, Martic managed to break in the 11th game and served out the set, before showing her steeliness in the second to remain on course for a maiden WTA 1000 crown.
