Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Wuhan Open Due to Injury

Elena Rybakina, the world No. 1, has withdrawn from the Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open due to injury, as announced by the tournament on social media. This decision follows her surprising loss to world No. 118 Alina Charaeva in three sets during the second round of the China Open in Beijing.

Rybakina is scheduled to compete next at the Ningbo 500, where she is the defending champion. She reached the quarterfinals at the Wuhan Open last year. In an Instagram story, Rybakina expressed her regret to fans, stating, "I'm very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to seeing me play. I'll take some time to rest and recover. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. See you next year."

The player has been dealing with a persistent lower leg and foot injury, which led to her retirement in the quarterfinals against Iga Swiatek in Cincinnati. Despite these challenges, Rybakina secured her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, climbed to the top ranking, and became the first singles player to qualify for the WTA Finals in Indian Wells this year.

Rybakina is among several high-profile withdrawals from the Wuhan Open, which is set to take place from October 12-18, and marks the final WTA Tour event of the 2023 season.