TOKYO — The final of the Toray Pan Pacific Open was set on an unexpected note Saturday as Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina was forced to withdraw from her scheduled semi-final against Linda Noskova due to a back injury, sending the Czech teenager into the championship match by walkover.
The tournament's top seed and a heavy favorite to claim the title, Rybakina's withdrawal is a significant blow to the WTA 500 event and marks another frustrating physical setback for the world No. 5. She was set to face the 19-year-old Noskova, who now advances to her first-ever WTA final without hitting a ball.
Rybakina released a statement through the tournament, expressing her disappointment: "I am really sorry to have to withdraw from my match today. I have been unwell and struggling with my back. I was trying to do everything I could to be ready, but unfortunately, I am not able to compete today."
This development means that Sunday's final will pit the unseeded Noskova against the fourth-seeded Olympic gold medalist, Belinda Bencic of Switzerland. Bencic earned her spot in a hard-fought battle, overcoming third-seeded American Jessica Pegula 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-4 in a marathon match that lasted two hours and 41 minutes.
The nature of Rybakina's injury points to an ongoing issue. She had previously mentioned feeling unwell and dealing with the back problem following her three-set quarter-final victory over Poland's Magda Linette just a day earlier. In that match, Rybakina required a medical timeout, a clear sign that the issue was significant enough to impact her performance and, ultimately, her ability to continue in the tournament.
The tournament director was understandably disappointed but wished the star player a swift recovery. "We are saddened that Elena is unable to compete in the semi-finals today. She is a tremendous champion and a favorite with our fans. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to Tokyo in the future."
A Dream Run for Linda Noskova
For Linda Noskova, this walkover represents a career-defining moment, albeit under unfortunate circumstances. The young Czech player has been on a tear recently, showcasing the powerful game that has made her one of the most promising rising stars on the WTA Tour. Her path to the final in Tokyo has been impressive:
- She defeated former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the first round.
- She ousted the talented and tricky Wang Xiyu of China in the second round.
- She secured a commanding victory over sixth-seeded Daria Kasatkina in the quarter-finals.
Noskova now finds herself in her maiden WTA final, a feat that will see her break into the world's Top 40 for the first time. Speaking about her unexpected advancement, she said, "It's obviously not the way you want to reach a final."
She continued, expressing a mix of empathy and ambition: "I feel very sorry for Elena. I hope she recovers quickly and is able to finish her season strong. For me, of course, it's an amazing opportunity to be in my first final. I will rest today and prepare as best I can for tomorrow."
Bencic's Gritty Path to the Final
On the other side of the draw, Belinda Bencic had to endure a grueling test of her resilience against the consistent and powerful Jessica Pegula. After dominating the first set, Bencic found herself in a dogfight as Pegula raised her level, saving a match point in the second set before forcing a decider.
The final set was a tense affair, with both players holding serve until the crucial tenth game. Bencic, a player known for her clean ball-striking and mental fortitude in big moments, finally broke Pegula's serve to seal the victory on her third match point. The win underscored Bencic's return to top form after her own struggles with injury.
Reflecting on the demanding match, Bencic stated, "It was an incredibly tough battle. Jess is such a great player and she never gives you anything for free. I'm just so happy I managed to fight through and win that third set. It gives me a lot of confidence."
Bencic's experience in finals—she has seven WTA titles to her name, including a gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—will be a significant factor heading into Sunday's match. She is now poised to claim her first title of the 2023 season and her biggest since her Olympic triumph.
Implications and the Road Ahead
Rybakina's withdrawal is the latest in a string of physical issues that have plagued her during the Asian swing. The powerful Kazakh player has had a stellar but demanding season, which included a runner-up finish at the Australian Open and a title at the WTA 1000 event in Rome. The toll of a long year appears to be catching up with her.
Her primary focus will now shift to recovery with the WTA Finals in Cancún, Mexico, looming on the horizon. Rybakina is currently in a strong position to qualify for the season-ending championship, but her fitness will be the paramount concern. A statement from her team indicated, "Elena will now focus on treatment and recovery."
For the finalists, the stakes are immense. A title for Bencic would solidify her comeback and provide a massive boost in the Race to the WTA Finals. For Noskova, a victory would be a life-changing breakthrough, announcing her arrival as a genuine force on the main tour and catapulting her ranking to a new career-high.
A Final of Contrasting Styles
Sunday's final presents a fascinating clash of generations and playing styles. Bencic, the seasoned veteran with a complete, all-court game, will look to use her experience and consistency to disrupt the rhythm of the big-hitting Noskova. The Czech teenager possesses formidable weapons off both wings and will aim to dictate play with her aggressive groundstrokes.
Bencic acknowledged the challenge her young opponent presents: "Linda is a very dangerous player. She hits the ball very big and has nothing to lose. I will need to be aggressive and try to control the points. It's a final, so I expect a very tough match."
Noskova, meanwhile, will have to manage the nerves that inevitably accompany a first final while facing a player of Bencic's caliber and big-match pedigree. Her ability to serve well and land her first-strike punches will be crucial to her chances of causing an upset.
The unexpected turn of events has reshaped the conclusion of the Pan Pacific Open. While the absence of Elena Rybakina is a disappointment, it has paved the way for a compelling final between a proven champion seeking another trophy and a fearless newcomer chasing a dream. The stage is set for a dramatic Sunday in Tokyo.