Rybakina withdraws before Tokyo quarterfinal against Fernandez
Elena Rybakina withdrew from Tokyo's Pan Pacific Open on 30 October 2026 before her quarterfinal against Leylah Fernandez. The Kazakh player said she had neck inflammation and pain; the Canadian advances to the semifinals without playing the match.
Rybakina came onto court to address the crowd and explain that she could not perform at her best. Her withdrawal ends her run at the Japanese tournament, where she was due to face Fernandez for a place in the last four.
She apologised to spectators and said the problem had troubled her for several days. The description of the injury comes from her own statements; the sources consulted provide neither an independent medical assessment nor a clinical timetable for her return.