Elena Rybakina shared on the WTA website that neck inflammation and pain prevented her from playing at her best, prompting her exit from the Tokyo event. The walkover sends Leylah Fernandez straight to a semi-final showdown against Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova. Rybakina had already locked up the year-end number one position following her second-round win against Yulia Putintseva. She is currently scheduled to return to competition next month at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.
Key points
Rybakina's withdrawal ends her campaign in Tokyo but preserves her status as the year-end…: Rybakina's withdrawal ends her campaign in Tokyo but preserves her status as the year-end world number one.
Leylah Fernandez directly benefits from the walkover by securing a spot in the tournament…: Leylah Fernandez directly benefits from the walkover by securing a spot in the tournament's semi-finals.
The neck injury is not expected to sideline the top seed for the season-ending WTA Finals…: The neck injury is not expected to sideline the top seed for the season-ending WTA Finals in California.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Oct 30 : World number one Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals on Friday due to a neck injury, sending Canada's Leylah Fernandez through to the last four via walkover.
• "Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing inflammation and pain in my neck, which has been affecting my ability to play at my best," the Kazakh said in a statement on the WTA website.
• Rybakina secured the year-end number one ranking after beating compatriot Yulia Putintseva in the second round.
• Fernandez will face Russia's Kamilla Rakhimova for a place in the final.
• Rybakina is expected to compete at next month's season-ending WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.
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