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Elena Rybakina pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Friday because of a neck injury, one day after she locked in the year-end world number one ranking. The 27-year-old Moscow-born Kazakh had been scheduled to face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals.
Instead, she walked onto the court to address the crowd and sign autographs for fans who had come to watch her play.
Rybakina said she plans to return for next month’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells, the season-ending tournament for the top players on the women’s tour.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming today, but unfortunately I won’t be able to play,” she told the crowd.
“I’ve been struggling for a couple of days with a little injury. It’s difficult for me to come and play at 100% since there is also a very important tournament coming up,” she added.
Rybakina clinched the year-end top ranking with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Yulia Putintseva in her opening match in Tokyo. She had become world number one for the first time last month by winning the U.S. Open, replacing Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the rankings.
The achievement capped a season in which Rybakina also won the Australian Open in Jan., bringing her total to three Grand Slam titles. She arrived in Tokyo after claiming her fourth title of the season at the Ningbo Open in China the previous week, beating Fernandez in the final.
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Before leaving the court, Rybakina thanked the Tokyo crowd for its support.
“Thank you so much for all the support throughout the year, especially here in Tokyo,” she said.
“It’s an amazing city. I really enjoy it every time I come, but unfortunately this time I won’t be able to play. Thanks again, and I hope to see you all next year,” she said.
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