Defending champion Rybakina withdraws from Italian Open

"Unfortunately, I do not feel well enough to compete," Rybakina said in a statement posted to social media.

"I have such good memories of last year and was looking forward to defending my title."

Rybakina, from Kazakhstan, will be replaced by 'lucky loser' Oceane Dodin from France, who was beaten 6-4 6-3 in the qualifiers on Wednesday by Czech player Brenda Fruhvirtova.

"We wish our 2023 champion a speedy recovery," the tournament said on social media.

World No.4 Rybakina, who lost the 2023 Australian Open final to Aryna Sabalenka, is scheduled to play in the French Open later this month.