Elena Rybakina eased through her opening two rounds at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships against Bianca Andreescu and Marie Bouzkova but will play no further part with her showpiece tie with Coco Gauff now off after she withdrew from the tournament.
Taking to her Instagram story, Rybakina confirmed it was injury related and that she won't return until late March in time for the US hard court swing in the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami). Gauff will now play against Madison Keys tomorrow.
"Unfortunately today I had to withdraw from Dubai singles and doubles draws due to a lower-back injury. I'm sure I'll be able to recover soon and be ready for US swing. Can't wait to be back here in Dubai next year! Thank you for all the support," she said.
Elena Rybakina on IG stories: Unfortunately today I had to withdraw from Dubai singles and doubles draws due to a lower-back injury. I'm sure I'll be able to recover soon and be ready for US swing. Can't wait to be back here in Dubai next year! Thank you for all the support ❤️."
