Spotlight shift: Elena Rybakina withdraws as replacements step up

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Elena Rybakina pulls out of Billie Jean King Cup before Stuttgart Open

The Women’s Stuttgart Open is almost here, but Elena Rybakina still hasn’t shown up.

She hasn’t officially pulled out of the tournament and is currently set to be the top seed after Aryna Sabalenka decided not to play.

The Kazakhstani player’s last appearance was at the Miami Open, where she reached the semi-final before losing to Aryna Sabalenka.

Even though she hasn’t withdrawn from Stuttgart yet, Rybakina has already pulled out of another event scheduled before it.

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Elena Rybakina pulls out of high-profile event

Organisers have confirmed via Instagram that Elena Rybakina will not be taking part in the One Point Challenge scheduled before the start of the Stuttgart Open.

The event follows a similar format to the Australian Open’s One Point Slam, where both professionals and amateurs compete against each other in a single-point contest.

The lineup also featured several celebrities, including Bundesliga goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow.

However, organisers noted that Rybakina is still expected to take her place in the main draw once play gets underway next week.

“Unfortunately, Elena Rybakina can’t participate in tomorrow’s event, but we’re looking forward to seeing her next week on Centre Court for her first match,” they said.

Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are already training at the tournament, making Rybakina one of the last top seeds yet to make an appearance ahead of Stuttgart’s start date on Monday 15th April.

Replacements for Elena Rybakina confirmed

Stepping in for Rybakina are Paula Badosa and Elina Svitolina, both of whom are already slated to appear in the main draw.

Badosa’s move came after she accepted a wild card from the Open de Rouen before deciding to play in Stuttgart instead.

Svitolina has been enjoying a very strong start to the season on the WTA Tour.

The Ukrainian currently sits at number seven in the world rankings, with 20 wins already under her belt and a title secured at the ASB Classic.

There’s also a chance the two could face off in Stuttgart, with Svitolina set to meet either Badosa or Eva Lys, depending on how that match plays out.

Read more:

• Brutal route: Alexandra Eala’s Stuttgart path may include Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina showdowns
• Aryna Sabalenka’s coach reveals what’s changed to help avoid another French Open final outburst
• Jessica Pegula explains what surprised her about Charleston title defence