# Tennis: The packed professional circuit is causing havoc in the Italian Open, starting in Rome this week, but will create unexpected chances for players lower down the world rankings. No less than 13 players have already withdrawn due to injury, headed by world number two and defending champion, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. Others who will miss the claycourt tournament include Americans Taylor Fritz and Reilly Opelka, and Britain’s Jack Draper. Local hero and world number one, Jannik Sinner, will be the top-seed.
Tennis: Thirteen players withdraw from Italian Open