World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a neck injury.
Tennis star Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. She suffers from a neck injury.
Also, she made this choice just one day after securing the year-end world number one ranking. She was set to play Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinal round.
Instead, Rybakina walked onto the court to speak with fans. She signed autographs for the crowd in attendance.
Next, the 27-year-old athlete explained her decision to the audience. She apologized for being unable to compete in the match.
She noted that she had struggled with the injury for several days. She felt unable to play at her full potential.
However, she plans to participate in the WTA Finals next month. That event takes place in Indian Wells.
Earlier, Rybakina clinched the top spot in the rankings. She defeated Yulia Putintseva in her opening match in Tokyo.
She reached the number one spot last month. This followed her victory at the US Open, where she replaced Aryna Sabalenka.
Meanwhile, the tennis star enjoyed a very successful season. She also claimed a title at the Australian Open in January.
She now holds three Grand Slam trophies. She also won the Ningbo Open in China just last week.
Finally, the player thanked her fans for their support. She expressed her love for the city of Tokyo. She hopes to return to the tournament next year.