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Iga Świątek Comments on Elena Rybakina’s Withdrawal from Korea Open

In a surprising twist, Iga Świątek, the former world No. 1, has publicly shared her thoughts on Elena Rybakina’s unexpected withdrawal from the Korea Open in Seoul. Świątek, known for her thoughtful and candid reflections on the tennis world, expressed that Rybakina should not have withdrawn from the tournament. Her remarks have added intrigue to the situation, which has already raised eyebrows in the tennis community.

The Context Behind Rybakina’s Withdrawal

Elena Rybakina, currently ranked among the top players in the WTA, pulled out of the Korea Open citing reasons that were not immediately disclosed. Coming off a season where she has achieved several high-profile victories, including her consistent presence in major tournaments, Rybakina’s decision sparked a mix of speculation and concern about her fitness and scheduling decisions.

The Korea Open, a popular WTA event, is an opportunity for players to gain valuable points and fine-tune their game before the end-of-year championships. Many expected Rybakina to make a strong showing in Seoul, continuing her momentum from the season’s earlier tournaments.

Świątek’s Comments

In response to the news, Świątek voiced her opinion during a press conference. She noted that while players are entitled to manage their schedules and make decisions that best suit their physical and mental well-being, she believes Rybakina’s withdrawal could have been reconsidered.

“I respect Elena and her decisions, but I believe she should have continued with the Korea Open. It’s important to stay committed, especially when there’s momentum. These tournaments help build consistency, and missing out can sometimes break the rhythm that players need heading into bigger events,” Świątek said.

The Polish star, who has herself been a model of consistency in the last few years, emphasized the importance of keeping up with the demands of the tour, even when it feels grueling. “We all face tough choices, especially when it comes to balancing health and performance. But I think this was an event that could have been beneficial for her, both for ranking points and preparation,” Świątek added.

### Rybakina’s Recent Form and Future

Elena Rybakina has had an impressive run in the 2023-2024 season, with deep runs in Grand Slam events and victories in major tournaments. Her powerful game and strong mental fortitude have positioned her as a formidable contender in the women’s game. However, managing a busy schedule can be challenging, and injuries or fatigue can play a significant role in deciding when to withdraw from events.

Though Rybakina has yet to officially comment on Świątek’s remarks, her withdrawal suggests that she may be prioritizing rest and recovery in anticipation of more critical tournaments on the horizon, including the WTA Finals and possibly an intense preseason training block ahead of 2025.

### Tennis Community Reacts

Świątek’s comments have sparked discussion within the tennis world, with fans and pundits weighing in on both sides of the debate. While some agree with Świątek’s view that participating in more tournaments helps build rhythm, others understand the need for top players to manage their bodies carefully, given the demanding nature of the WTA schedule.

Former players and analysts have also added their perspectives, with some siding with Świątek’s idea that skipping tournaments can interrupt a player’s flow, while others feel that Rybakina has every right to withdraw if she feels it is in her best interest for the long term.

### Conclusion

Iga Świątek’s remarks about Elena Rybakina’s withdrawal from the Korea Open have opened up a broader conversation about the balance between physical health and competitive consistency in the modern tennis era. As both players continue to vie for dominance on the WTA Tour, it will be interesting to see how Rybakina responds, not just in words, but in her performances in the coming months.

Whether Rybakina’s decision proves beneficial or detrimental to her form remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that the tennis world will be keeping a close eye on these top players as they navigate the complexities of the tour.