Elena Rybakina’s preparations for Wimbledon have hit another snag after the world’s second-ranked tennis player pulled out of the Bad Homburg Open on Friday due to a right hip problem, according to tournament organizers.
The withdrawal came just one day after Rybakina suffered a stunning round-of-16 loss at the Berlin Open, falling 7-5, 6-4 to Alexandra Eala, who is ranked 35th in the world.
Rybakina, 27, addressed the situation through the tournament’s official Instagram page. “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Bad Homburg due to some discomfort in my right hip,” she said. “I need to consult with my medical team and undergo further assessment before making any decisions about the next steps. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
The setback is part of a difficult recent stretch for the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who has now dropped three of her last four matches. That skid started with a second-round exit at the French Open at the hands of Yaroslava Starodubtseva.
On grass courts this season, Rybakina managed to win her first match at Queen’s Club but was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Katie Boulter, before the loss to Eala in Berlin on Thursday.
Despite the recent struggles, Rybakina has had a strong overall season, going 32-10 and capturing titles at the Australian Open and in Stuttgart. Her attention will now shift to getting healthy in time for Wimbledon, which kicks off June 29. She is chasing a second championship title at the All England Club.
