Elena Rybakina faced backlash from tennis fans after pulling out of the Japan Open semifinals just hours after officially qualifying for the 2025 WTA Finals. Her withdrawal came before her scheduled match against Linda Nosková, citing back pain as the reason.
“I’m very sorry, I can’t play today. I’ve been having problems with my back and can’t compete at 100%. I’m disappointed my fans won’t see me today, but I hope to return next year,” Rybakina said.
Fans, however, questioned the timing of her decision, with many accusing her of prioritizing rest for the Finals over her commitment to the tournament.
One fan commented, “Such a shtty excuse. Right after qualifying for the Finals.”* Another added sarcastically, “She didn’t have to qualify; she could’ve just been an alternate. Now the tournament loses ticket and broadcast money.” Others labeled her move “unprofessional” and joked she had caught “AlreadyQualified syndrome.”
Despite the criticism, Rybakina’s Tokyo performance secured her the final slot in the eight-player field for the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh (Nov. 1–8). She joins:
Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Iga Świątek (Poland)
Coco Gauff (USA)
Amanda Anisimova (USA)
Madison Keys (USA)
Jessica Pegula (USA)
Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Last year, Coco Gauff claimed the title by defeating Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling three-set final. Rybakina will now aim to make her mark in this year’s round-robin showdown among the world’s top-ranked players.
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