Rybakina resigns from Wuhan after her early elimination in Beijing

ByDavid Mitchell

The number one in the world, Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open this month due to a foot injury, tournament organizers said Sunday, a day after the Kazakh suffered a surprising defeat in her opening match at the China Open.

Rybakina, who lost to world number 118 Alina Charaeva in Beijing, declared that she would take time away from competition to recover.. “I am very sorry not to be able to play in front of the fans who were waiting to see me in action,” Rybakina said in an Instagram story shared by the tournament. “I will take some time to rest and recover. Thank you for your understanding and continued support,” he added.

The 27-year-old has been dealing with a persistent problem in the lower leg and foot, an ailment that also forced her to withdraw from Cincinnati’s quarterfinals against Iga Swiatek in August. Despite this setback, Rybakina recovered in time for the US Open, where she won her third Grand Slam title, reached world number one and became the first player to qualify for the WTA Finals, the season-ending tournament.

Rybakina’s next competition is expected to be in Ningbo, where he will try to defend his title. The Wuhan Open is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18.

David Mitchell
David Mitchell

As a passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience, I strive to uncover the heart and soul behind every game. Supported by a dedicated team of fellow enthusiasts and storytellers, I am committed to delivering insightful and engaging content that connects fans worldwide. Together, we celebrate the victories, challenges, and unifying spirit of sports through every article we craft.