"Vukov split, illness, injury"; "Elena Rybakina shouldn't play until next year" - Fans devastated by Kazakh's "nightmare" after China Open withdrawal 

Elena Rybakina pulling out of the China Open amidst an injury-riddled season has tennis fans concerned. Rybakina's withdrawal from the WTA 1000 came as a result of a back injury.

2024 hasn't been kind to Rybakina, who has had to withdraw or retire from a number of tournaments including the BNP Paribas in Indian Wells and the Rome Open where she was the defending champion. The Kazakh also had to pull out of the US Open ahead of her second-round match and also missed out on the Paris Olympics.

Despite this, she had managed to clinch three titles this year winning in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, and Stuttgart.

Next up on the WTA Tour is the China Open. However, Rybakina has decided to withdraw from the tournament due to a back injury. This means she will be losing 390 points from her semifinal run last year.

Fans took to X to send their best wishes to Elena Rybakina. One fan mentioned some of the downs of her year including her split with coach Stefan Vukov.

"After doing two slams QF in a row, even SF in Wimbledon,too bad for the loss. The second part of season looked promising,i wouldnt imagine this turn out in nightmare About olympics sickness, vukov split, severe illness and injury. For me she wont play in asia,lets see finals," the fan remarked.

Another fan just hoped for her well-being and also wished to see her back in action before the next season.

"sigh she better be ok. she doesn’t owe anyone shit but hope we see her again before eoy," the fan said.

Here are some other reactions from the fans:

"she shouldn't play until next year, and that's what she and her body need. elena can't let injuries or illness ruin her 2025; it's hard to assume, but it's for the best for all of us," a fan opined.

"She just turned 25. There’s a whole lot more going on between the ears than a ridiculous back injury. I think she’s done for the year. She’ll even drop out of finals. Maybe she comes back next year, but I doubt it. I think it’s over," a fan pondered.

"it’s crazy to think Elena Rybakina’s season basically ended after Wimbledon… i don’t see her coming back for the WTA Finals tbh. wishing her all the best for 2025 cause she should at least be on two slams by now," a fan commented.

"I really hope Elena Rybakina will be healthy next season...," a fan wished.

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"I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments" - Elena Rybakina

Elena Rybakina (Source: Getty)

In a statement released by the WTA, Elena Rybakina said she has been struggling with a back injury. She said:

“Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments. While I’ve been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it's best to prioritize my health at this time."

She said the year hasn't gone in the right direction but promised fans that she would be giving her best shot to return to action before the end of the year.

"This has been a challenging year and I am grateful for the support from the tournament organizers and all of my fans. My team and I will work on getting me back on the court before the season finale.”

Though the year hasn't gone according to plan, Elena Rybakina still managed to remain in the Top 5 of the WTA rankings thanks to her deep runs in the Majors and her three WTA 500 titles. However, it looks like missing out on a lot of tournaments is finally catching up with the Kazakh, who could potentially drop out of the Top 5 by the end of the year.

She risks her position to the likes of Jasmine Paolini and Coco Gauff, who are going to be competing at the China Open.