Elena Rybakina Withdraws From Pan Pacific Open Semifinal Due to Back Injury After Securing WTA Finals Spot

Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and world number seven, withdrew from her Pan Pacific Open semi-final due to back problems just a day after securing the eighth and final spot for the upcoming WTA Finals. Her withdrawal granted Linda Noskova a walkover into the final, where Noskova will face either Sofia Kenin or Belinda Bencic. Rybakina expressed disappointment at missing the match and conveyed hopes to return next year, highlighting her back issues that prevented her from playing at full strength. Despite the injury setback, her recent form, including winning the Ningbo Open in China, helped her rise to world number six in the rankings. This injury pause comes after a demanding stretch in which she secured her place among the elite players for the WTA Finals, set to take place next month in Saudi Arabia. Fans are optimistic for her recovery in time for that prestigious event featuring top competitors like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.