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Rybakina out of Tokyo semi-finals with injury / Photo: Kazuhiro NOGI - AFP
Rybakina out of Tokyo semi-finals with injury
Elena Rybakina pulled out injured ahead of her Pan Pacific Open semi-final on Saturday, a day after securing her spot in the season-ending WTA Finals.
The second seed's withdrawal put Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic into Sunday's final in Tokyo, where the sixth seed will play Sofia Kenin or Belinda Bencic.
"I'm very sorry I can't play today," Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, said in a statement.
"I have been having problems with my back this week and can't play 100 percent. I am disappointed that my fans will not see me today but I hope to see you next year."
On Friday the world number seven clinched the eighth and last spot at next month's WTA Finals when she beat Victoria Mboko in straight sets.
Rybakina joins the elite field in Saudi Arabia after a run of form that saw her win the Ningbo Open in China last week.
L.Ziegler--BlnAP
