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Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Tokyo Open With Neck Injury

Posted : 30 October 2026

Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo because of a neck injury, just a day after confirming her position as the year-end world number one. The 27-year-old was scheduled to face Canada's Leylah Fernandez in Friday's quarter-finals but pulled out to prioritise her recovery ahead of the upcoming WTA Finals.

Rather than competing, the Kazakhstani star appeared on court to address spectators and sign autographs. She apologised to fans for her absence, explaining that she had been dealing with an injury for several days and was unable to compete at her full capacity.

Rybakina also revealed that she was keen to protect her fitness because of the importance of next month's season-ending WTA Finals in Indian Wells, where she expects to return to action.

Her withdrawal came shortly after she secured the year-end number one ranking with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over compatriot Yulia Putintseva in the second round of the Tokyo tournament.

The achievement marks another significant milestone in an outstanding season for Rybakina. She first climbed to the top of the WTA rankings after winning the US Open in September, replacing Aryna Sabalenka as world number one.

She also captured the Australian Open title in January, taking her Grand Slam singles collection to three, having previously won Wimbledon in 2022. Her impressive campaign continued last week when she defeated Fernandez in the final of the Ningbo Open in China to claim her fourth title of the season.

Despite her disappointment at missing the Tokyo quarter-final, Rybakina expressed appreciation for the support she received from Japanese fans throughout the competition. She also praised the city and expressed hope of returning for next year's tournament.

Her withdrawal handed Fernandez a walkover into the semi-finals, where the Canadian will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for a place in the final.

Rybakina will now concentrate on recovering ahead of the WTA Finals, scheduled to take place in Indian Wells from November 8 to 15, where she will look to conclude her remarkable season.

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