Elena Rybakina withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup ahead of Stuttgart Open
The Stuttgart Women’s Open is almost here, but Elena Rybakina still hasn’t shown up.
She has not officially withdrawn from the tournament and is currently set to be the top seed after Aryna Sabalenka decided not to play.
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The Kazakh player’s last appearance was at the Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals before losing to Aryna Sabalenka.
Although she has not yet withdrawn from Stuttgart, Rybakina has already withdrawn from another event scheduled earlier.
Elena Rybakina withdraws from high-profile event
The organizers have confirmed via Instagram that Elena Rybakina will not participate in the One Point Challenge scheduled before the start of the Stuttgart Open.
The event follows a similar format to the Australian Open One Point Slam, where both professionals and amateurs compete against each other in a single point competition.
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Several celebrities also participated in the lineup, including Bundesliga goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.
However, organizers noted that Rybakina is still expected to take her place in the main draw once play begins next week.
“Unfortunately, Elena Rybakina cannot participate in tomorrow’s event, but we hope to see her next week on center court for her first match,” they said.
Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are already training at the tournament, making Rybakina one of the last seeds to appear before Stuttgart’s start date on Monday, April 15.
Elena Rybakina’s replacements confirmed
Replacing Rybakina are Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, who are already scheduled to appear in the main draw.
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Badosa’s decision came after accepting a Rouen Open wild card before deciding to play in Stuttgart.
Svitolina has enjoyed a very strong start to the season on the WTA Tour.
The Ukrainian is currently ranked number seven in the world rankings, with 20 wins under her belt and a title secured at the ASB Classic.
There is also a possibility that the two will meet in Stuttgart, where Svitolina will face either Badosa or Eva Lys, depending on how the match develops.
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