Rome, 8 Nov. (LaPresse) – World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals, due to take place in Indian Wells, after contracting a viral infection. Marta Kostyuk will take the Kazakhstani’s place in Group 1 and face Linda Noskova in the tournament’s opening match. “I am truly sorry to have to tell all my fans and supporters that, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from this year’s WTA Finals,” Rybakina said in a statement. “It has been an incredible season, but my body is not yet physically ready to compete. I’ll be spending some time at home, resting and recovering, to prepare as best I can for the 2027 season. The WTA Finals are a truly special tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck this week. I can’t wait to return to Indian Wells in March.” Rybakina, the defending champion having triumphed undefeated last year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the first player to qualify for the singles tournament after winning her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, where she also reached the number one spot in the world rankings. Rybakina thus concludes her 2026 season with a record of 54 wins and 14 defeats, having won four titles: the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open and Ningbo. Despite withdrawing from the WTA Finals, she was officially recognised as the world number one at the end of the season.
Tennis, WTA Finals: Rybakina withdraws due to a viral infection; Kostyuk takes her place
Rome, 8 Nov. (LaPresse) – World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals, due to take place in Indian Wells, after contracting a viral infection. Marta Kostyuk will take the Kazakhstani’s place in Group 1 and face Linda Noskova in the tournament’s opening match. “I am truly sorry to have to tell all my fans and supporters that, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from this year’s WTA Finals,” Rybakina said in a statement. “It has been an incredible season, but my body is not yet physically ready to compete. I’ll be spending some time at home, resting and recovering, to prepare as best I can for the 2027 season. The WTA Finals are a truly special tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck this week. I can’t wait to return to Indian Wells in March.” Rybakina, the defending champion having triumphed undefeated last year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the first player to qualify for the singles tournament after winning her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, where she also reached the number one spot in the world rankings. Rybakina thus concludes her 2026 season with a record of 54 wins and 14 defeats, having won four titles: the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open and Ningbo. Despite withdrawing from the WTA Finals, she was officially recognised as the world number one at the end of the season.