Indian Wells: Defending champion Rybakina pulls out due to illness

The 24-year-old Russian-born Kazakhstani player, Elena Rybakina, won Wimbledon in 2022 and is currently ranked world number four.

FILE PHOTO: Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in action. | Photo Credit: AP

Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from Indian Wells ahead of her first match due to illness, tournament organisers said on Friday.

“It is with great sadness that I must announce that I will not be able to participate in this year’s 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 Russian-born Kazakhstani player won Wimbledon in 2022 and is currently ranked world number four.

She is replaced in the singles draw by lucky loser Kayla Day of the U.S.

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

Three-time champion Rafa Nadal withdrew on the eve of his first-round match on Wednesday, saying he was not ready to compete at the highest levels.