Due to WTA Finals: World No. 1 Rybakina Takes a Break

Voluntary withdrawal for Elena Rybakina at the WTA tournament in Tokyo.

The world No. 1 was scheduled to play against Canadian Leylah Fernandez in the quarter-finals of the competition on Friday. Due to a neck injury, the 27-year-old decided against competing.

Nevertheless, the Kazakh came onto the court to sign autographs and express her gratitude.

Comeback at WTA Finals

"I just wanted to thank you all very much for coming today, but unfortunately I won't be able to play. I've been struggling with a minor injury for a few days. It's difficult for me to come here and play at 100 percent, especially with a very important tournament coming up," said Rybakina.

She was referring to the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, where Rybakina wants to be back on court. Her world No. 1 ranking in the WTA is already definitively secured for her this year.