WTA’s top-ranked Elena Rybakina withdraws from quarterfinals in Japan, citing an injury

TOKYO (AP) — Top-ranked tennis player Elena Rybakina withdrew from the quarterfinals of the Pan Pacific Open on Friday, causing Canadian player Leylah Fernandez to advance. Rybakina, who was the top seed in the tournament, informed the audience that she could not play due to an undisclosed injury. She expressed her hope to see her fans again next year and revealed that she had been dealing with a minor injury for several days.

The injury prevented her from being prepared for the upcoming WTA finals in Indian Wells, California. With her victory over Yulia Putintseva on Thursday, Rybakina secured her position as the No. 1-ranked player in the world. On Friday, other notable quarterfinal matches took place, with Kamilla Rakhimova defeating Maya Joint 7-5, 5-7 and 6-1, and Mia Pohankova winning against Alycia Parks 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Pohankova, a 17-year-old Slovak player, had entered the tournament as a wildcard. In a late quarterfinal, the No. 3-seeded Diana Shnaider played against Alex Eala. In the semifinals, Rakhimova will face Fernandez, and Pohankova will compete against either Eala or Shnaider.