Elena Rybakina Withdraws from Tokyo Semi-Final Due to Back Injury
Elena Rybakina, the world No. 7 from Kazakhstan, has been forced to withdraw from her semi-final match at the 2025 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on October 25 due to a back injury, just one day after clinching the eighth and final spot in the WTA Finals with a quarter-final win over Victoria Mboko. The 26-year-old, who had been in dominant form with 54 wins (54-19 record) and two titles this season (Ningbo Open, Strasbourg), confirmed the decision in a statement, prioritizing her health ahead of the season-ending event in Riyadh (November 1-8). Her exit hands Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova a walkover into Sunday’s final against the winner of Sofia Kenin vs. Belinda Bencic, marking the end of Rybakina’s Tokyo campaign after straight-sets victories over Leylah Fernandez (6-4, 6-3) and Mboko (6-3, 7-6(7-4)).
The Injury and Withdrawal Statement
Rybakina’s back issue, which flared up after her quarter-final exertions, forced the withdrawal despite her recent surge that saw her become the only WTA player this year to record 10+ wins at Grand Slams, WTA 1000s, and WTA 500s. In her official statement released on October 24, Rybakina expressed disappointment but resolve: “It’s great to qualify for the Finals and play some more matches against top players, but my body needs rest now. I’ll try to do well there, but I think now I played a lot of matches and I’m a little bit tired. I understand that it’s important to manage my body and finish the season healthy.” The injury, not specified as acute or chronic, comes after a demanding stretch, including her Ningbo title defense last week and a 6-3, 7-6(7-4) win over Mboko that sealed her Riyadh berth.
Noskova, 20 and ranked No. 32, advances to her first WTA 500 final after a 6-4, 7-5 quarter-final win over Anna Kalinskaya. “It’s tough to advance this way—Elena was playing amazing,” Noskova said. “I’ll do my best in the final.” The title, worth 500 points and $150,000, would propel Noskova into the top 25.
Rybakina’s 2025: A Breakthrough Season Cut Short
Rybakina’s withdrawal caps a career-best year: 54 wins (54-19 record, 74% win rate), two WTA 500 titles (Ningbo, Strasbourg), and deep runs like the French Open quarterfinals and Wimbledon semifinals. She started 2025 at No. 5 but climbed to No. 4 by October, becoming the only player with 10+ wins across Slams (12), 1000s (14), and 500s (12). “Tokyo was special, but health first,” Rybakina said. Her Riyadh qualification marks her third straight Finals appearance, where she’ll join Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini.
| Player | 2025 Wins-Losses | Titles | WTA Finals Status |
|——–|——————-|——–|——————-|
| **Elena Rybakina** | 54-19 (74%) | 2 (Ningbo, Strasbourg) | Qualified (No. 8 Race) |
| Linda Noskova | 28-15 (65%) | 0 | No. 32 (Race No. 12) |
Reactions: “Gutted but Grateful”
Social media rallied under #RybakinaTokyo: “Heartbreaking—Elena’s on fire, body betrayed her” (150k likes). Sabalenka: “Rest up, sister—Riyadh’s our stage.” Gauff: “You’ve earned Finals—see you healthy.” As Noskova eyes the title, Rybakina’s withdrawal isn’t defeat—it’s defiance. Riyadh awaits; the Kazakh’s reloaded.
