Defending champion Elena Rybakina pulls out of Italian Open due to illness

Rome [Italy], May 10 (ANI): Defending champion Elena Rybakina on Friday withdrew from the Italian Open due to illness ahead of her first-round match.

The No.4 seeded player Rybakina was scheduled to face Irina-Camelia Begu at the Center Court on Friday.

“I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year, but unfortunately I do not feel well enough to compete. I have such good memories from last year and was looking forward to defending my title,” Rybakina said in a statement as quoted by ATP.

“Rome is so special to me, and I look forward to being back next year to reclaim my title and play in front of the Italian fans,” she further added.

Rybakina will be replaced by France’s Oceane Dodin, the tournament said in a post on X.

“We wish our 2023 champion a speedy recovery,” they added.

This is the second time, Rybakina withdrew from an event as the defending champion. In March, she pulled out of the Indian Wells, also citing a gastrointestinal illness.