The Italian Open WTA doubles draw has been a rollercoaster of drama, with three teams retiring in just two days. While the tournament has delivered thrilling singles action, the doubles side has seen a shakeup that raises questions about scheduling and player priorities—especially for tennis fans and gear enthusiasts who love tracking their favorite stars on court.
On Tuesday, defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini pulled out, a tough blow for the Italian duo who had home-court advantage and a title to defend. Paolini’s foot injury, which she’s managing ahead of the French Open, forced the withdrawal. It’s a reminder of how critical recovery and the right gear—like supportive footwear—can be for players navigating a packed clay-court season.
Wednesday brought more exits. The Romanian team of Sorana Cirstea and Jaqueline Cristian withdrew, with Cirstea likely saving energy after her stunning singles win over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. At 36, Cirstea is having a career-defining tournament, advancing to the semifinals against Coco Gauff. It’s a strategic move that highlights how singles stars often prioritize their individual runs over doubles commitments, a debate that’s long simmered in tennis.
Iva Jovic and Anna Kalinskaya also called it quits on Wednesday, both dealing with minor injuries after exiting the singles draw. Their withdrawal further thins the doubles field, leaving Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova as clear favorites. The duo, fresh off winning the Sunshine Double and last week’s Mutua Madrid Open—despite Siniakova’s minor injury in the final—are poised to dominate.
Meanwhile, fan-favorite pair Coco Gauff and Caty McNally, aka “McCoco,” along with Jessica Pegula and Storm Hunter, are set to play Wednesday. With Pegula out of singles after a loss to Iga Swiatek, Gauff remains the only player still competing in both draws—a testament to her versatility and stamina. For fans, it’s a chance to see top talent in action, whether they’re rocking the latest performance apparel or just soaking in the clay-court intensity.