(PRIMASPORT) TOKYO Elena Rybakina, already confident of finishing the year as the world number one in tennis, has announced her withdrawal from the Tokyo tournament due to a neck injury. The Kazakh player had qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating compatriot Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match.
Her victory in Tokyo had secured her the top spot in the world rankings at the end of the year. However, Rybakina chose not to play the match against Canadian Leylah Fernandez, explaining to the crowd: "I just wanted to thank you for coming today, but unfortunately I won't be able to play. I've been struggling with a minor injury for a few days. It's difficult for me to play at 100%, especially since I have another very important tournament coming up.".
In an official statement, she specified that she was suffering from "inflammation and pain in her neck." Her withdrawal from the Tokyo tournament leaves a spot open for Leylah Fernandez, world No. 23, who will face Kamila Rakhimova, ranked No. 66, in the semifinals tomorrow. Only the Masters remains, taking place starting November 8th in Indian Wells and featuring the season's top eight players. (PRIMASPORT)
