World number one Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the Wuhan Open after a shock defeat at the China Open

World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from this month’s Wuhan Open with a leg injury, tournament organizers announced on Sunday, a day after the Kazakh suffered a shock defeat in her opening match at the China Open.Rybakina lost to world No. 118 Alina Charaeva in Beijing in her first match since winning the US Open last month to become the world’s top-ranked women’s player. She said she will take some time away from competition to recover.“I’m very sorry to the fans who were looking forward to seeing me play,” Rybakina said in an Instagram story shared by the tournament.“I will take some time to rest and recover. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”A 27-year-old man was struggling with protracted problems with his lower leg and foot. The injury also forced her to withdraw from the quarterfinals in Cincinnati against Igo Swiatek in August.Rybakina recovered in time for the US Open, where she won her third Grand Slam title, moving up to world number one and becoming the first player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals.He is next expected to compete in Ningbo where he will attempt to defend his title.The Wuhan Open is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18.