Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals a day before she was set to play her first match due to fitness issues.
The world No.1 was due to conduct her pre-tournament media duties on Friday but postponed it by a day due to illness before making her latest announcement. Rybakina was the top seed in the season-ending event after rising to the top of the rankings on September 14th. She was also the defending champion after capturing last year’s title by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
“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’ve had an incredible season but my body is just not physically ready to compete.”
Rybakina ends her season having won four titles, including the Australian Open and US Open. She also won two WTA 500s in Stuttgart, Germany and Ningbo, China. Overall, the Kazakh has posted a 54-14 record on the Tour this year.
“I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season,” Rybakina continued.
“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!”
It is the first time a world No.1 has withdrawn from the WTA Finals since 2015, when Serena Williams did so. Williams is also the last player to have won the tournament in consecutive years (2012-2014).
Replacing Rybakina in the draw will be Marta Kostyuk, who will be playing on the opening day against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. In the group stage, she will also play Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. The other group features Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Muchova. Only the top two players in each group will progress to the semi-finals.
This year’s WTA Finals will be held in Indian Wells and begin on Sunday.
