Defending champ Elena Rybakina (illness) pulls out of Rome tournament

(Photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports)
Defending champion Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome on Friday due to illness.

She was scheduled to play her opening-round match against Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania on Friday. Lucky loser Oceane Dodin took Rybakina's spot, with Begu winning in a first-set walkover.

"I am disappointed to have to withdraw from Rome this year, but unfortuna