Defending champion Rybakina pulls out of Indian Wells

Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from Indian Wells ahead of her first match due to illness, tournament organizers announced on Friday.

"It is with great sadness I must announce, I will not be able to participate at this years Indian Wells tournament due to gastrointestinal issues," she said.

"Those close to me know how much this tournament means to me and how much I wanted to come back and defend my title."

"I would like to thank all the fans who came out here to support me and I am sorry they will not get a chance to see me play this year."

"Now I will rest and recover so I can come out and play and compete for my fans to the best of my abilities once again."

The 24-year-old Kazakhstani player, born in Russia, won Wimbledon in 2022 and is currently ranked fourth in the world.

Kayla Day of the United States will take her place in the singles draw as the lucky loser.

Rybakina joins a list of last-minute withdrawals from the tournament, including 2021 champion Paula Badosa, who withdrew on Thursday due to an ongoing back injury.

Rafa Nadal, a three-time champion, withdrew on the eve of his first round match on Wednesday, saying he was not prepared to compete at the highest level.

SportsLigue