Elena Rybakina has confirmed that she will not be able to defend her WTA Finals title at Indian Wells.
Rybakina is the world No 1 after a brilliant season, which included two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, and she would have been one of the heavy favourites to lift the title for a second year in a row.
There were concerns about the star’s status when Rybakina did not appear at the WTA Finals media day and now she has confirmed the news with a statement.
“I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,” said Rybakina, confirming the news.
“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!”
Rybakina will be replaced by Marta Kostyuk, who was set to be an alternate at the tournament. It will mark her first appearance at the year-end tournament and she will compete against the WTA Tour’s very best.
The new WTA Finals 2026 line-up
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Coco Gauff
- Jessica Pegula
- Mirra Andreeva
- Marta Kostyuk
- Karolina Muchova
- Linda Noskova
- Elina Svitolina
As for Rybakina, her next tournament is now slated to be the Brisbane International, which will kick off the 2027 season between January 3rd and 10th.
It will start a very difficult period for the world No 1 as she has plenty of points to defend from the 2026 season.
She reached the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International last term before going on to win the Australian Open for the first time in her career.
Rybakina will lose 1500 ranking points as a result of her withdrawal from the WTA Finals, which could leave her vulnerable at the summit of the rankings.
More WTA Tour news
There are just 1600 ranking points between Sabalenka and Rybakina currently, so she could be breathing down her neck by the time the Australian Open comes around.
Sabalenka reached the final of the WTA Finals in 2025, as well as the final of the Australian Open, so she too will be defending plenty of ranking points between now and then.
It could make things very interesting for the first Grand Slam of the season down in Melbourne, with the Australian Open beginning on the 19th January.
