Elena Rybakina withdraws from Wuhan Open amid lingering injury

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA 1000 Wuhan Open. The Kazakhstani player needs time to recover from a lingering lower leg and foot injury, the WTA reported.  

Tournament organizers announced Rybakina’s withdrawal. Following the announcement, Rybakina addressed fans who had been looking forward to seeing her on court and thanked them for their support.

«I’m very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to seeing me play. I’ll take some time to rest and recover. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. See you next year,» the WTA cited Rybakina as saying in an Instagram story.

The Wuhan Open, the final WTA 1000 event of the season, will run from Oct. 12 through Oct. 18. Last year, Rybakina reached the quarterfinals.

Rybakina withdrew after an early exit at the China Open. Following her U.S. Open triumph, the Kazakhstani lost to Armenia’s Alina Charaeva (World No. 118) in the second round in Beijing. Rybakina won the first set 6-3 but dropped the next two, 4-6, 3-6.