Elena Rybakina withdraws from Tokyo quarter-final with injury ahead of WTA Finals

The Kazakh was scheduled to face the Canadian in the last eight of the WTA 500 tournament in Tokyo, but pulled out after struggling with an injury for several days.

Rybakina had earlier beaten compatriot Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 6-3 to secure the year-end world number one ranking for the first time in her career.

The 27-year-old was set to meet an in-form Fernandez, having beaten the Canadian in straight sets in last weekend's Ningbo Open final.

However, Fernandez was denied the opportunity to avenge that defeat after Rybakina announced her withdrawal, explaining that she was not fit enough to compete.

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for coming today, but unfortunately I won't be able to play," Rybakina told the crowd.

"I've been struggling for a couple of days with a little injury. It's difficult for me to come and play at 100 per cent since there is also a very important tournament coming up."

Following the walkover, Fernandez advanced to a semi-final clash against lucky loser Kamilla Rakhimova.

Rybakina has experienced recurring Achilles problems this season, although she did not specify the nature of her latest injury.

With the WTA Finals beginning on 8 November, the Australian Open champion has limited time to recover before the season-ending event, where she will defend her title.

Although Rybakina has already secured the year-end number one ranking for 2026, her position at the top could come under pressure early next season. 

Elsewhere in Tokyo, fan favourite Alex Eala also suffered a quarter-final exit, losing to Diana Shnaider in a three-set encounter. The Russian prevailed 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, having also beaten the Filipina at the Ningbo Open a week earlier. 

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