A sudden twist in Tokyo: Elena Rybakina, fresh off her Ningbo victory and secured berth for the WTA Finals, has withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open semifinal less than an hour ago. This unexpected exit hands the spotlight to Linda Noskova, who now advances by default and faces a vastly different path to the title.
Rybakina’s Withdrawal & What It Means
Rybakina had admitted recent fatigue as she embarked on a back-to-back tournament stretch; she had already locked up her slot at the WTA Finals and seemed to be playing more for ranking points and momentum. Her decision to pull out now confirms that the physical toll has caught up. With no longer the burden of match play ahead, she will shift focus to rest and preparing for the season finale.
For the draw, her absence reshuffles expectations. The dominant favourite is no longer in play in Tokyo, which opens the field for other contenders and gives Noskova a direct ticket to the final—a golden opportunity she may not have had if Rybakina remained.
Noskova’s Chance & The Shifted Dynamics
With Rybakina gone, Noskova moves through to the final and inherits a much better margin for error. Her lighter workload this week—thanks in part to walkovers—may now pay dividends. But the challenge isn’t gone: she still must capitalise on the chance and face whoever emerges from the opposite semi-final between Sofia Kenin and Belinda Bencic.
Without Rybakina’s power and serve dominating their potential clash, the tactical map changes. Noskova’s path is now not only clearer but arguably more open: fewer hitters to worry about, less pressure, and a shot at her first big WTA 500 final. The question: can she step up when the spotlight turns bright?