Sports · Tennis · 4 hrs ago
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals
World No.
1 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals in Indian Wells before the season-ending tournament began.
She cited an illness and said her body was not physically ready to compete.
The withdrawal ends her bid to defend the title she won last year in Saudi Arabia.
Rybakina had a standout 2026 season, winning the Australian Open and US Open and securing the year-end top ranking.
Marta Kostyuk replaces Rybakina in Group 1 and is set to play Linda Noskova in the opening match.
Rybakina will rest and recover at home as she prepares for the 2027 season; one report lists the Brisbane International as her next planned tournament.
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals because of a viral illness.
The 27-year-old said she was not physically ready to compete and would rest and recover at home.
Rybakina, the defending champion, will be replaced by first alternate Marta Kostyuk at the tournament in Indian Wells, California.
Rybakina won the Australian Open and US Open in 2026 and finished the season with a 54-14 record.
Her withdrawal ends her chance to win the WTA Finals in consecutive years.
- Who
- Elena Rybakina, the world’s top-ranked women’s singles player, withdrew. Marta Kostyuk replaces her.
- What
- Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals because of a viral illness.
- When
- She announced her withdrawal on Saturday, November 7, ahead of the tournament.
- Where
- The WTA Finals are being held at Indian Wells in California.
- Why
- Rybakina said she was not physically ready to compete and needed to rest and recover.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rybakina secured the year-end world No. 1 ranking while competing in Tokyo.
Rybakina withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals in Tokyo because of a neck injury.
Rybakina announced she would withdraw from the WTA Finals because she was not physically ready to compete.
First alternate Marta Kostyuk replaced Rybakina in the eight-player field.
- Reason for withdrawal
- Viral illness
- Replacement
- Marta Kostyuk, first alternate
- Tournament venue
- Indian Wells, California
- Season record
- 54 wins and 14 losses
- 2026 Grand Slam titles
- Australian Open and US Open
8 sources
What happened the last time the world number one did not play the WTA Finals after Elena Rybakina withdraws
World No 1 Elena Rybakina withdraws in blow to WTA Finals
Elena Rybakina Withdraws From WTA Finals With Viral Illness, Marta Kostyuk Replaces Her
World number one Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals
Elena Rybakina, número uno del mundo, se retira del WTA Finals 2026 por problemas físicos
Elena Rybakina releases statement as she withdraws from the WTA Finals with replacement already named
« Mon corps n'est pas prêt à disputer cette compétition » : la numéro 1 mondiale Elena Rybakina déclare forfait pour les Finales WTA
Rybakina pulls out of 2026 WTA Finals on eve of tournament
What people are saying
I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,
I've had an incredible season but my body is just not physically ready to compete.
I'm going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season.
I spoke to her today and she really couldn't recover on time.