Newly crowned US Open champion Elena Rybakina will miss Kazakhstan’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign in Shenzhen as she gives her body time to recover from a demanding late-season run.
The 27-year-old announced her withdrawal after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final last weekend, ending the Belarusian’s two-year title hold in New York and moving to the top of the rankings.
Quick facts
- Rybakina has withdrawn from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen.
- Kazakhstan play Spain in the quarter-finals on September 23.
- The Finals run from September 22 to 27 in China.
- Rybakina won the Australian Open and US Open this season, adding to her 2022 Wimbledon title.
- Italy enter the event as two-time defending champions.
Rybakina’s US Open success delivered her third Grand Slam singles crown. She had already captured the Australian Open title earlier this year, while her breakthrough major triumph came at Wimbledon in 2022.
Her New York campaign had begun under a cloud after an ankle problem threatened her preparation. She played through those concerns, however, and produced a commanding final performance to beat Sabalenka.
“I have to announce that I won’t be able to participate in Billie Jean King Cup this year,” Rybakina said in an Instagram post. “I am very sad to miss Shenzhen, such a nice place with an amazing crowd.”
The world No. 1 said the physical toll of the past month had forced the decision. “Last month has been tough for my body and I will need to recover and be at my best to compete again. I wish the girls good luck,” she added.
Kazakhstan had been drawn against Spain in the September 23 quarter-final. The winner would move into the final-four stage of the team competition, with the champion decided during the September 22-27 Finals week.
Italy arrive in Shenzhen as the reigning champions, having won the last two editions of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
