World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo after a neck injury, ending her campaign unexpectedly in the quarterfinals.
The 27-year-old was scheduled to play against Leylah Fernandez, who has now received a walkover into the semifinals.
Speaking to the media on court Rybakina said,” 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 per cent since there is also a very important tournament coming up.”
Rybakina has had an outstanding 2026 season, winning four singles titles. She started the year by winning the Australian Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6–4, 4–6, 6–4 in the final to claim her second Grand Slam title. She followed that success by winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, thrashing Karolina Muchova 7–5, 6–1 in the final.
Rybakina then added another major title at the US Open, defeating Sabalenka 6–4, 5–7, 6–2 to win her third Grand Slam. Her fourth title came at the Ningbo Open in China, where she defeated Leylah Fernandez 6–2, 6–2 in the final.
Rybakina added,” I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved this season and the consistency I’ve shown throughout the year”.
If Rybakina makes a quick recovery and receives medical clearance to return to the court, her next tournament will be the WTA Finals, which is scheduled to take place from November 8 to 15, 2026.
