Rome [Italy], May 10 : 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.
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"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.
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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.