Defending champion Elena Rybakina withdraws from 2024 BNP Paribas Open
Elena Rybakina will not get the opportunity to defend her title at this year's BNP Paribas Open. The 24-year-old announced on Friday that she is withdrawing from the tournament due to illness.
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn due to illness.
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 9, 2024
We wish our 2023 champion a speedy recovery ❤️ #IndianWells pic.twitter.com/6kmvhNU00P
She was set to face Nadia Podoroska tonight in her first game of the tournament.
Elena Rybakina won't defend her title in the desert after withdrawing from the 2024 BNP Paribas Open. She was expected to play tonight as the final match inside Stadium 1.
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) March 9, 2024
📸 Championship Sunday 3/19/23@KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Tarp1969 @Qassignmentdesk @IndianWellsCA pic.twitter.com/8AlR0LbLqC
Rybakina had an amazing run in the 2023 BNP Paribas Open, defeating the top two seeds Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal and final matches.
She also won the 2022 Wimbledon.
Sports director will have more on the news coming up at 4PM on News Channel 3.