By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, September 22, 2024
Photo credit: Miami Open/Hard Rock Stadium
Elena Rybakina is passing on the Asian swing.
The 2022 Wimbledon winner announced she's pulled out of the upcoming Asian swing due to a back injury.
TN Q&A: Roger Federer on RF Collection and Best Match
World No. 4 Rybakina, who split from coach Stefano Vukov, has played just three matches since falling to Barbora Krejcikova in the Wimbledon semifinals in July.
"Due to a back injury, I unfortunately have to withdraw from the next Asian tournaments," Rybakina said in a statement. "My medical team and I decided that it was best to prioritize my health at this time. This year has been difficult and I am grateful for the support of the tournament organizers and all my fans.
"My team and I will work hard to get me back on the court before the end of the season."
Rybakina is the second Grand Slam champion to step out an Asian event.
World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek withdrew from the China Open last week due to "personal matters."
"Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing," Swiatek said in a statement. "I’m very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there."