Speculation arose among fans that she might have sustained an injury during intense practice sessions, a common occurrence for players gearing up for major tournaments like the WTA 1000 Indian Wells event that spans almost two weeks. However, Rybakina addressed the situation through a statement on the Indian Wells official platform, revealing that she was dealing with recurring gastrointestinal issues, similar to what she had experienced in Dubai the previous month.
In her statement, she expressed deep sadness at being unable to participate in the tournament, emphasizing the significance of Indian Wells to her and her desire to defend her title. The 24-year-old acknowledged the disappointment her withdrawal brought to fans, who eagerly anticipated watching her play in the United States.
With this withdrawal, Rybakina is set to lose 1000 ranking points and will not be able to surpass Coco Gauff for the World No. 3 ranking at the tournament’s conclusion. Despite this setback, she assured her fans of her commitment to recovering quickly and performing at her best in upcoming events, including the Miami Open and the commencement of the clay swing.
Rybakina concluded her statement by thanking the fans for their support and expressing regret for not being able to showcase her skills at this year’s Indian Wells, promising to rest and recover for future competitions.
