Injured Rybakina skips Beijing & Wuhan but eyes return before WTA Finals

The world number four enjoyed plenty of success in the first half of 2024, winning titles in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi and Stuttgart, but missed several tournaments due to illness and injury thereafter.

After reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals she withdrew from the Paris Olympics due to bronchitis and pulled out of the US Open in August due to a lower back injury after winning her opening match.

"Due to an ongoing back injury, I regretfully have to withdraw from the upcoming Asian tournaments," Rybakina said in a statement.

"While I've been working hard on my recovery, my medical team and I have decided it's best to prioritise my health at this time."

Rybakina, who split from her long-time coach Stefano Vukov just days before the US Open, is third in the WTA race to the November 2nd to 9th Finals.

"This has been a challenging year and I am grateful for the support from the tournament organisers and all of my fans," the Kazakh player added.

"My team and I will work on getting me back on the court before the season finale."