Rybakina Withdraws From Tokyo Quarterfinal, Secures Year-End No. 1 Ranking
The world number one cited a minor injury and a need to prepare for the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
By Fiona Wallace ·
Elena Rybakina stepped off the court in Tokyo on Friday, ending her run at the Pan Pacific Open in the quarterfinals. The world number one informed the audience of her withdrawal due to an undisclosed injury.
Rybakina explained that she had been managing a minor issue for several days. She stated that her priority is being fully prepared for the WTA Finals scheduled for next month in Indian Wells. "Espero verlos a todos el próximo año," she told the crowd.
The Kazakh star had already locked in the year-end world number one ranking following her win in the round of 16 on Thursday. Her exit allows Canadian Leylah Fernandez to advance to the semifinals by default.
In the other quarterfinal match, third-seed Diana Shnaider overcame an early deficit to beat eighth-seed Alexandra Eala. Shnaider dropped the first set 2-6 but took the next two sets, 7-6 and 6-4, to secure her spot in the final four.
Shnaider will face 18-year-old Mia Pohankova, who defeated Alycia Parks with scores of 7-6 and 6-3. Pohankova entered the tournament via a wild card entry after turning 18 the previous week.
The other semifinal will feature Fernandez against Kamilla Rakhimova. The Uzbek player advanced by defeating Maya Joint in a three-set match, with final scores of 7-5, 5-7, and 6-1.
Source: Greenwich Time
