Fourth-ranked Rybakina had been included in the draw made earlier at Roland Garros, the home of the French Open, but her name was later removed by organisers. Her withdrawal allowed France's Caroline Garcia to slip into the Kazakh's slot in the draw where she will face Cristian on Saturday. Alternate Daria Saville of Australia will now face China's seventh-ranked Zheng Qinwen.

Rybakina explained that she was banned from travelling to the Olympics by her doctors after contracting 'acute bronchitis'. She has struggled with illness this year, having withdrawn from the Dubai Open, Indian Wells and the Italian Open as well as the Eastbourne International in the run-up to Wimbledon.

"After Wimbledon, I contracted acute bronchitis and despite trying to return to training, my body has not yet recovered," Rybakina said. “Doctors have categorically forbidden me to go outside.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion was also scheduled to play in the doubles competition alongside Alexander Bublik, but they have now been replaced by Argentina’s Nadia Podoroska and Maximo Gonzalez.

On Wednesday, Australian Open champion Sinner said he was pulling out of the Games due to tonsillitis.