Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawal from the 2026 WTA Finals on the eve of the season-ending tournament citing a medical issue.
The world No 1 was set to face Linda Noskova in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday. Her place in Group 1 in the season-ending tournament will now be taken by Marta Kostyuk.
In a statement, the three-time Grand Slam winner said: “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.
“The WTA Finals is a very special tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck this week. Can’t wait to be back in Indian Wells in March!”
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It’s been an incredibly successful year for Elena Rybakina – but it has come at a physical cost
Rybakina was going to defend her title that she won going undefeated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last year.
The 2025 edition saw her arrive as the last qualifier, but she was the first to earn her spot this year after winning the US Open.
The 27-year-old will still end the season as world No 1 despite the withdrawal, finishing with a 54-14 record and four titles – the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open and Ningbo Open.
Noskova, who became Wimbledon’s youngest women’s singles champion since Petra Kvitova this summer at the age of 21, will now face world No 10 Kostyuk instead.
Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can watch the ATP Paris Masters live on Sky Sports this week with the WTA Finals in Indian Wells starting on Sunday.