Kazakhstan’s Rybakina to Skip Billie Jean King Cup Finals
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s women’s tennis team leader and world No. 1 Elena Rybakina will not compete in this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen, citing the need to recover following an intensive period of competition.
Rybakina recently captured the 2026 US Open title after having sustained an injury during the Cincinnati tournament. She said that the past month had been physically demanding and that she needed time to recover and return to full competitive condition.
In a statement shared on social media, Rybakina expressed regret at missing the tournament in Shenzhen and wished her Kazakhstan teammates success in the competition.
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals are scheduled to take place from September 22 to 27 at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in China. Kazakhstan is set to face Spain on September 23.
Rybakina recently became the world No. 1 in the WTA rankings, adding another milestone to her 2026 season.
