Injured Rybakina skips Beijing, Wuhan; eyes return before WTA Finals

The world number four enjoyed plenty of success in the first half of 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart, but missed several tournaments due to illness and injury thereafter.

Published : Sep 23, 2024 10:56 IST , CHENNAI - 1 MIN READ

FILE PHOTO: Elena Rybakina is third in the WTA race to the Nov. 2-9 Finals.
FILE PHOTO: Elena Rybakina is third in the WTA race to the Nov. 2-9 Finals. | Photo Credit: Reuters
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FILE PHOTO: Elena Rybakina is third in the WTA race to the Nov. 2-9 Finals. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina said she has pulled out of tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan due to a back issue but is aiming to return to action before the WTA Tour’s season finale in Riyadh in November.

The world number four enjoyed plenty of success in the first half of 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart, but missed several tournaments due to illness and injury thereafter.

After reaching the Wimbledon semifinals she withdrew from the Paris Olympics due to bronchitis and pulled out of the US Open in August due to a lower back injury after winning her opening match.

“Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments,” Rybakina said in a statement.

“While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it’s best to prioritise my health at this time.”

The 25-year-old, who split from her long-time coach Stefano Vukov just days before the US Open, is third in the WTA race to the Nov. 2-9 Finals.

“This has been a challenging year and I am grateful for the support from the tournament organisers and all of my fans,” the Kazakh player added.

“My team and I will work on getting me back on the court before the season finale.”

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