Elina Svitolina Withdraws from 2025 China Open
Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has announced her withdrawal from the 2025 China Open, effectively bringing her season to an early close due to a hip injury. This decision comes as a significant one for the athlete, who has enjoyed a commendable run on the WTA Tour this year, currently holding the 13th position in the world rankings.
Heartfelt Announcement
Svitolina had been expected to compete at the prestigious WTA 1000 event in Beijing, where she was seeded and set to face either Tatjana Maria or Marie Bouzkova in the second round after receiving a bye.
“I haven’t been feeling like myself lately. I’m not in the right emotional space, and I don’t feel ready to play, so I am therefore ending the season here.”
Svitolina elaborated that as an athlete, her commitment to give her best on the court is paramount. Recognizing her mental and emotional state, she concluded that continuing the season would not serve her well or her fans. She emphasized the importance of being mentally prepared in tennis, stating:
“This sport isn’t about money, fame, or rankings—it’s about being ready to fight and to give your all. Right now, I’m simply not at the level mentally or emotionally to do that.”
Prioritizing Health and Well-Being
By prioritizing her health and well-being, Svitolina acknowledged that not every day has to be characterized by high levels of productivity or energy, indicating the need for personal time to heal and recharge. With her season concluding prematurely, the impact on her standings in the WTA rankings is less severe than one might expect.
Svitolina sits at 12th in the WTA Race for 2025, positioning her solidly within the Top 20 by season’s end and ensuring her a strong seeding for the upcoming 2026 Australian Open.
As she takes additional weeks to rest beyond her competitors, this could lend her a valuable advantage as she prepares for the new season, where the busy calendar continues to induce similar decisions among professional players.
