Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from her scheduled quarter-final clash against Leylah Fernandez at the Pan Pacific Open due to an injury complaint. The 27-year-old Russian had earlier secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career by defeating Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-3 earlier in the week. She was set to face the in-form Canadian, whom she previously defeated in straight sets at last weekend's Ningbo Open final, but an Achilles issue that has plagued her intermittently throughout the year forced her exit.
Rybakina addressed the crowd on court following the withdrawal, expressing gratitude for their support while explaining her inability to compete. She stated that she had been struggling with a minor injury for several days and felt it was difficult to perform at 100 percent, especially with the WTA Finals approaching on November 8. As the defending champion of the Australian Open this year, Rybakina's position as world number one remains unassailable for the remainder of 2026. However, her standing could become vulnerable early in 2027 if she fails to defend her points at the Indian Wells event next season.
Despite not playing the quarter-final, Rybakina earned £24,975 in prize money and added 108 ranking points for reaching the last eight. She currently holds 9,501 points, maintaining a significant lead over second-placed Aryna Sabalenka, who sits on 7,550 points. Following Rybakina's withdrawal, Fernandez will advance to the semi-finals to face lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a strong end-of-season run, winning the Singapore Open in September and finishing as runner-up in Ningbo. Her current performance at the Pan Pacific Open has already earned her £49,243 and 195 ranking points, moving her to 21st in the world with a potential rise to 16th if she wins the tournament.
Sources: Tennis365.