Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA 500 Eastbourne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 However, she has withdrawn from tournaments three times this season, in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.