World Number One Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Pan Pacific Open Due to Neck Injury

Elena Rybakina, the current world number one, has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a neck injury. This withdrawal comes just a day after she secured the year-end world number one ranking. Rybakina, who was scheduled to compete against Canada's Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals, instead appeared on court to address the crowd and sign autographs.

Speaking to her fans, the 27-year-old stated, “I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming today, but unfortunately I won’t be able to play. I’ve been struggling for a couple of days with a little injury. It’s difficult for me to come and play at 100 percent since there is also a very important tournament coming up.” She expressed her intention to return for the upcoming WTA Finals in Indian Wells next month.

Rybakina had clinched the year-end top ranking following a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over Yulia Putintseva in her opening match in Tokyo. She first attained the world number one position last month after her triumph at the US Open, succeeding Aryna Sabalenka at the summit. This achievement follows a highly successful year for Rybakina, which also included winning the Australian Open in January, bringing her Grand Slam title count to three.

Her arrival in Tokyo was preceded by her fourth title win of the season at the Ningbo Open in China last week, where she defeated Fernandez in the final. Rybakina concluded by thanking her supporters, saying, “Thank you so much for all the support throughout the year, especially here in Tokyo. It’s an amazing city. I really enjoy it every time I come. Thanks again and hope to see you all next year.”