Overview
- Wawrinka, who pulled out Tuesday before facing Pablo Carreno Busta, sent the Spaniard into the main draw via walkover.
- He had won a taxing first-round qualifier over Stefano Travaglia 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, and reports linked the withdrawal to lingering pain.
- Rome did not grant him a main-draw wildcard, a choice outlets said cost fans a chance to see him in his farewell year.
- The early exit places fresh doubt on his readiness for Bordeaux, Geneva and then Roland Garros later in May.
- The 41-year-old three-time major winner is 6-10 this year, and his Rome résumé includes a 2008 final and 2015 semifinal with a planned Basel goodbye in the fall.