Elena Rybakina conceded her quarterfinal walkover against Leylah Fernandez after battling a neck issue for multiple days. She personally explained the decision to the crowd in Tokyo before signing autographs and targeting a return at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The stoppage halts a remarkable stretch of form that saw her capture titles at the Australian Open, the US Open, and the Ningbo Open.
Key points
Elena Rybakina expects to recover from her neck injury in time to compete at the WTA Fina…: Elena Rybakina expects to recover from her neck injury in time to compete at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
A dominant season featuring four titles elevated Rybakina to three career Grand Slam vict…: A dominant season featuring four titles elevated Rybakina to three career Grand Slam victories and the year-end number one spot.
Leylah Fernandez advanced past the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals following Rybakina's su…: Leylah Fernandez advanced past the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals following Rybakina's sudden physical withdrawal from their scheduled contest.
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Elena Rybakina expects to return for next month’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells after withdrawing from Tokyo quarterfinals.
Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo with a neck injury, a day after she secured the year-end world number one ranking.
The Moscow-born Kazakh was due to face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals, but instead she came onto the court to address the crowd and sign autographs.
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She said she would return for next month’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming today, but unfortunately I won’t be able to play,” said the 27-year-old.
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