In a surprising twist, Iga Świątek, the former world No. 1, has publicly shared her thoughts on Elena Rybakina’s unexpected withdrawal from the Korea Open in Seoul. Świątek, known for her thoughtful and candid reflections on the tennis world, expressed that Rybakina should not have withdrawn from the tournament. Her remarks have added intrigue to the situation, which has already raised eyebrows in the tennis community.
The Context Behind Rybakina’s Withdrawal
Elena Rybakina, currently ranked among the top players in the WTA, pulled out of the Korea Open citing reasons that were not immediately disclosed. Coming off a season where she has achieved several high-profile victories, including her consistent presence in major tournaments, Rybakina’s decision sparked a mix of speculation and concern about her fitness and scheduling decisions.
The Korea Open, a popular WTA event, is an opportunity for players to gain valuable points and fine-tune their game before the end-of-year championships. Many expected Rybakina to make a strong showing in Seoul, continuing her momentum from the season’s earlier tournaments.
Świątek’s Comments
In response to the news, Świątek voiced her opinion during a press conference. She noted that while players are entitled to manage their schedules and make decisions that best suit their physical and mental well-being, she believes Rybakina’s withdrawal could have been reconsidered.
“I respect Elena and her decisions, but I believe she should have continued with the Korea Open. It’s important to stay committed, especially when there’s momentum. These tournaments help build consistency, and missing out can sometimes break the rhythm that players need heading into bigger events,” Świątek said.
