Elena Rybakina has officially withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open semifinal, citing ongoing issues with her back. This decision comes just a day after Rybakina secured her spot in the WTA Finals following her quarterfinal triumph over Victoria Mboko, where she won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(4).
Scheduled to face off against Linda Noskova in the semifinals, Rybakina expressed her disappointment in a statement, acknowledging her physical struggles during the tournament. “I’m very sorry I can’t play today. I have been having problems with my back this week and can’t play 100%,” she said.
With Rybakina sidelined, Noskova now advances to the finals, where she will meet Belinda Bencic. Bencic earned her spot in the championship match by overcoming Sofia Kenin in a hard-fought contest, winning with a scoreline of 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-2.
Rybakina’s performance throughout the tournament has been commendable, and her recent achievement of qualifying for the WTA Finals marks another high point in her career. The Finals are set to take place from November 1 to 8 in Saudi Arabia, where Rybakina will be joined by other top players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini. Gauff, who is the defending champion, emerged victorious in the previous year’s final against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, earning a remarkable $4.8 million in prize money.
As Rybakina prepares for her appearance at the WTA Finals, her focus will be on recovery, aiming to be in peak condition for the prestigious event.
