World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from next week’s WTA tournament in Wuhan after sustaining a foot injury, tournament organizers announced on October 4, 2026. The 27-year-old Kazakhstan player recently claimed the US Open title on September 12, a victory that propelled her to the top of the global rankings.
Organizers confirmed the withdrawal via Instagram, stating that Rybakina would miss the hard-court event and wishing her a prompt recovery.
I am sorry for the fans who wanted to see me play,
Rybakina said in a statement shared by the tournament. I am going to take time to heal and rest.
Recent Match Loss Precedes Tournament Exit
The foot injury announcement follows an unexpected early exit at the China Open in Beijing. Rybakina lost her opening match on October 3 to Armenia’s Alina Charaeva, who is ranked 118th in the world. Charaeva secured the upset victory in three sets with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
That defeat came less than a month after Rybakina’s career-defining Grand Slam triumph in New York. The Wuhan Open is scheduled to take place on hard courts from October 12 to October 18, 2026, proceeding without the newly crowned world number one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rybakina’s Injury
When and where is the Wuhan Open taking place?
The tournament is scheduled to run from October 12 to October 18, 2026, on outdoor hard courts in Wuhan, China.
Who defeated Elena Rybakina in her most recent match?
Armenia’s Alina Charaeva, ranked 118th globally, defeated Rybakina 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round of the Beijing tournament.
When did Rybakina achieve the number one ranking?
She climbed to the top spot in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings following her US Open victory on September 12, 2026.
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