Indian Wells: Defending champion Elena Rybakina pulls out from Indian Wells ahead of her first match due to illness, tournament organisers announced.
Elena Rybakina, originally from Russia and representing Kazakhstan, achieved victory at Wimbledon in 2022. She’s now proudly ranked as the world number four in tennis.
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The 24-year-old Elena Rybakina said,
“It is with great sadness for me that I must announce now that I will not be able to participate in this year’s Indian Wells tournament due to gastrointestinal issues.”
“My close ones understand well the significance of this tournament to me and how I want to return and defend my title.”
“I would like to say thank to all the lovable fans who came out here to support me, and I am sorry they will not get a chance to see me play in this year.”
“I will take rest and recover so I can come out and play and compete for my fans to the best of my abilities once again.”
BNP Paribas Masters Past Winners:
Kayla Day from the U.S. steps in as a lucky loser to replace Rybakina in the singles draw.
Rybakina adds to the list of late exits from the tournament, joining 2021 champion Paula Badosa, who withdrew on Thursday due to a persistent back injury.
Rafa Nadal, three-time champion withdrew just before his first-round match on Wednesday, citing that he wasn’t prepared to compete at the highest levels.
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