Elena Rybakina withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup ahead of Stuttgart Open
The Women’s Stuttgart Open is approaching, but Elena Rybakina has not yet arrived.
While she hasn’t officially withdrawn from the tournament, she is currently the top seed following Aryna Sabalenka’s exit.
Rybakina’s last match was at the Miami Open, where she reached the semi-finals but lost to Sabalenka.
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Elena Rybakina withdraws from another event
Organisers have announced on Instagram that Rybakina will not participate in the One Point Challenge before the Stuttgart Open.
This event features both professionals and amateurs in a single-point contest, similar to the Australian Open’s One Point Slam.
The event also includes celebrities like Bundesliga goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.
Despite this withdrawal, organisers expect Rybakina to compete in the main draw starting next week.
“Unfortunately, Elena Rybakina can’t participate in tomorrow’s event, but we’re looking forward to seeing her next week on Centre Court for her first match,” they stated.
Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are already training at the tournament, making Rybakina one of the last top seeds to arrive ahead of Stuttgart’s start on Monday, April 15th.
Replacements for Elena Rybakina confirmed
Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina will step in for Rybakina, both already set to appear in the main draw.
Badosa accepted a wild card from the Open de Rouen before choosing to play in Stuttgart.
Svitolina is having a strong start to the season, currently ranked seventh in the world with 20 wins and a title at the ASB Classic.
There is a possibility they could face each other in Stuttgart, as Svitolina’s next match will be against either Badosa or Eva Lys, depending on results.