Newly Crowned No. 1 Rybakina Withdraws From BJK Cup With Injury

Elena Rybakina will miss Kazakhstan’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals tie in China after the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation said she needs at least two weeks of treatment and recovery for a left Achilles tendon injury. The injury began at the Cincinnati Open, where she retired from her quarterfinal match, and continued to affect her during the US Open, which she won while reportedly using painkillers. Her withdrawal is a major setback for Kazakhstan, which was expected to rely on its newly crowned world No. 1 against Spain. Rybakina will first spend a week in Kazakhstan undergoing medical examinations and taking part in events for young players and fans before prioritizing rehabilitation and a return to full training.