<p>Indian Wells, California: Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from Indian Wells ahead of her first match due to illness, tournament organizers said on Friday.</p><p>"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.</p><p>"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, she said.</p>.Jannik Sinner shines, Andy Murray falls in Indian Wells second round.<p>The 24-year-old Russian-born Kazakhstani player won Wimbledon in 2022 and is currently ranked world number four.</p><p>She is replaced in the singles draw by lucky loser Kayla Day of the U.S.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>
<p>Indian Wells, California: Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from Indian Wells ahead of her first match due to illness, tournament organizers said on Friday.</p><p>"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.</p><p>"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, she said.</p>.Jannik Sinner shines, Andy Murray falls in Indian Wells second round.<p>The 24-year-old Russian-born Kazakhstani player won Wimbledon in 2022 and is currently ranked world number four.</p><p>She is replaced in the singles draw by lucky loser Kayla Day of the U.S.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>