Defending champion Elena Rybakina‘s hopes for a back-to-back triumph at the BNP Paribas Open were dashed when she was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to illness.
Last year, as the No.10 seed, Rybakina secured her first WTA 1000 title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells final. She also overcame world No.1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. On Friday, ahead of her opening match, Rybakina expressed deep regret over her withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of the tournament to her and her desire to defend her title:
It is with great sadness I must announce, I will not be able to participate at this year’s Indian Wells tournament due to gastrointestinal issues.