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Elena Rybakina Withdraws from WTA Finals Due to Illness
· Confirmed
In Short: World number one Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals in Indian Wells due to a viral illness.
World number one Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals at Indian Wells on Saturday due to a viral illness, according to AFP. Rybakina, who is the defending champion, stated in a statement that she was 'not physically ready to compete' and would focus on resting and recovering for the 2027 season.
Rybakina expressed her disappointment in a statement, saying, 'I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year.' She added, '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.'
The WTA Finals, which starts Sunday, will have to move on without the world’s No. 1 player, as reported by Nypost. Rybakina had been set to begin her bid to emulate American great Serena Williams by becoming the first player since 2014 to win the WTA Finals in back-to-back years.
Rybakina's withdrawal was confirmed by a WTA spokesman, who stated that the official reason for her absence is a viral illness. Marta Kostyuk will take Rybakina's place in Group One at the tournament.
Rybakina's dominance this year was highlighted by her victory at the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as her tour-leading serve statistics, with 438 aces this season, 140 more than second-placed Sabalenka, according to BBC.
Rybakina's success continued throughout the year, with six of her 15 career titles won since last October. She ended a nearly four-year wait to back-up her maiden slam title at Wimbledon in 2022, and established herself as the top-ranked women's singles player for the first time in 2026.
Rybakina's 2025 WTA Finals performance was also notable, as she went undefeated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the last qualifier. She had moved her media day from Friday to Saturday on Friday, citing a possible illness.
Rybakina's withdrawal comes after she rose to the top of the world rankings for the first time in September with a victory at the US Open in New York, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
Rybakina's absence will not affect her status as the world No. 1 player, as she will still end the season with a 54-14 record and four titles: the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open, and Ningbo Open.
The WTA Finals, which announced its relocation from the Middle East to California in July for safety reasons, will now proceed without Rybakina, who had been looking to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back titles at the WTA Finals.
All outlets agree that Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals due to a viral illness and will be replaced by Marta Kostyuk in Group One. The reports also concur that Rybakina's absence will not affect her status as the world No. 1 player.
What this adds
Rybakina's withdrawal was announced on the eve of the tournament, and she had moved her media day from Friday to Saturday on Friday, citing a possible illness.
What's confirmed
- "I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year," Rybakina said in a statement.
- "I'm going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season." A WTA spokesman later confirmed that the official reason for Rybakina's withdrawal "is a viral illness." Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk will take Rybakina's place in Group One at the tournament.
- Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals ahead of the championships.
What's still developing
- She had ended Sabalenka's 99-week hold on the top ranking by defeating the Belarusian in the US Open final six weeks earlier.
- She will rest at home and prepare for the 2027 season.
- Rybakina won the 2025 edition in Riyadh unbeaten after qualifying in last position.