Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA 500 Eastbourne
International just days before the start of Wimbledon. On Thursday, June 21,
the Kazakh player retired during her quarterfinal match at the Berlin Ladies
Open, citing abdominal discomfort during the first set against Victoria
Azarenka.
In recent days, Rybakina had been training regularly in
Eastbourne, seemingly overcoming her physical issues. However, on Monday it was
announced that the first seed withdrew from the tournament, where she was
scheduled to debut on Wednesday, June 26, against Harriet Dart in the Round of
16.
Top seed Rybakina withdraws from Eastbourne
Rybakina's season has been a mix of highs and lows. When on
court, she has demonstrated her status as a world-class player, boasting an
excellent 35-7 record (83%) and three titles this season, along with two other
finals. However, she has withdrawn from tournaments three times this season, in
addition to retiring mid-match against Azarenka last week.
No official reason has been given for Rybakina's withdrawal
from Eastbourne, although according to Tennis Letter, it is not related to last
week's issues. With just one week until Wimbledon, where Rybakina is the 4th
seed and the defending champion, there is no indication she will miss her
debut.
Interestingly, in 2023, Rybakina also withdrew from the Eastbourne
International the week before Wimbledon and then reached the quarterfinals
without showing any physical problems despite prior concerns.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from Eastbourne.
She’s been training & looking healthy the last few days, so her withdrawal is unrelated to her illness in Berlin.
Next stop, Wimbledon. 💚