Elena Rybakina has officially withdrawn from the WTA 500 event in Tokyo, citing ongoing back problems that have prevented her from competing at full strength. The Kazakhstani star, currently ranked among the top players in the world, made the announcement shortly before her scheduled match.

“I’m very sorry I can’t play today. I’ve been having problems with my back this week and can’t play 100%. I’m disappointed that my fans will not see me today but I hope to see you next year,” Rybakina said in a statement.

A cautious decision with the season in mind

Rybakina’s decision to pull out appears to be a precautionary measure, aimed at avoiding further aggravation of the injury as the season nears its conclusion. With major tournaments still on the calendar, including the WTA Finals, her team is likely prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term appearances.

The withdrawal is a blow to the Tokyo tournament, where Rybakina was considered one of the top contenders. Her absence opens up the draw for other players, while fans will hope to see her return to full health in time for the final stretch of the season.

Rybakina in Tokyo, ranking, and results in 2025

Now ranked no.7, Rybakina owns an overall 54-19 record in 2025. The Kazakhstani is now having a run in Tokyo where she defeated the world no.22 Leylah Annie Fernandez 6-4 6-3, the world no.23 Victoria Mboko 6-3 7-6(4) and the world no.17 Linda Noskova w/o.