Elena Rybakina has joined Iga Swiatek and Barbora Krejcikova in withdrawing from the 2024 Canadian Open in Toronto, marking a significant change to the tournament’s lineup.
Rybakina’s season has been a mixed bag. She began the year on a high, clinching a title in Brisbane, which led many to believe she might challenge for the World No. 1 spot on the WTA Tour. At times, her performance suggested she had the potential to reach that pinnacle. However, reaching the top ranking requires more than just occasional brilliance; it demands consistent high-level play throughout the season.
This year, Rybakina has struggled with consistency. Her early-season performance faltered, with an early exit from the Australian Open and a return to form only evident in Doha. While she showed some stability during the clay season, her progress was again hampered by health issues, which resurfaced during the grass-court season.
Her Wimbledon preparation and performance were adversely affected by these health problems. Additionally, she missed the Paris Olympics due to similar issues, and unfortunately, her health remains a concern, leading to her withdrawal from the Canadian Open. Rybakina confirmed her absence through the event organizers, citing ongoing health issues.
“Despite my best efforts to recover in time, my current health condition does not allow me to compete at the level required,” Rybakina said. “Competing in Canada is always a special experience, and I am looking forward to performing there again next year.”
This is a notable setback for Rybakina, particularly as the hard-court season is often where she excels. With two hard-court WTA 1000 tournaments and the US Open on the horizon, missing at least one of these key events is a significant blow, especially for a player who had hoped to make a strong push for the top ranking this season.
Extended health or injury issues are never ideal for any athlete, and Rybakina has started to gain a reputation for such problems. Despite these challenges, she possesses the talent and skill needed to succeed at the highest levels of tennis.
Tournament director Karl Hale remains optimistic about the 2024 National Bank Open. “Our player list remains extremely strong,” Hale noted. “Fans can look forward to seeing many of the world’s best players, including top seeds Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, in action at Sobeys Stadium. We are also excited to celebrate our Canadian world champions and their Billie Jean King Cup victory on Opening Night, presented by Sobeys, on August 6.”
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