I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,
world number one Elena Rybakina said in a statement on the eve of the tournament.
The 27-year-old Kazakh was set to begin her bid to emulate Serena Williams by becoming the first player since 2014 to win back-to-back WTA Finals titles, but announced she could not defend her crown.
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Viral Illness Forces Late Withdrawal Before Indian Wells Opener
The top-ranked player’s withdrawal came just a day before the event got underway at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, WTA Tennis reported. Rybakina was scheduled to face Linda Noskova in Sunday’s opening match. Her spot in Group 1 has now been taken by Marta Kostyuk, who enters the draw as the first alternate, according to sportsnet.ca.
Rybakina’s physical struggles did not come completely out of nowhere. Skysports.com noted that she had pushed her pre-event news conference from Friday to Saturday. She also withdrew from the quarterfinals of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo the previous week because of a neck injury.
BREAKING: Elena Rybakina withdraws from Indian Wells. Marta Kostyuk replaces her in Group 1. “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… pic.twitter.com/ynCeiCZ70A”
Most Successful 2026 Season Cut Short at the End
Despite the late-season health setbacks, Rybakina wrapped up the most successful campaign of her career. Yahoo reported that she secured her position as the year-end world number one while competing in Tokyo in October, six weeks after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final to end Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the top.
Rybakina finishes 2026 with a 54-14 match record. She collected four titles across the season, including triumphs at the Australian Open, the US Open, Stuttgart, and the Ningbo Open. Her aggressive style yielded tour-leading statistics, featuring 438 aces and 1,775 winners.
Questions Surrounding the 2027 Tennis Season
When will Elena Rybakina return to professional tennis?
Rybakina stated she plans to spend time resting and recovering at home to get ready for the 2027 season.
Who replaces Rybakina in the tournament draw at Indian Wells?
Marta Kostyuk moves into Group 1 as the first alternate, facing Linda Noskova in her opening round-robin match.
Who else plays in the day’s round-robin singles matches?
American players Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula meet in the day’s other round-robin singles match.
How did Rybakina secure the year-end top ranking?
She clinched the year-end number one spot in October during her run at the tournament in Tokyo, following her US Open victory.
More on Elena Rybakina
The World Number 1️⃣ is out. 🇰🇿 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells. "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… pic.twitter.com/9enjGpPQMF”
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals. Marta Kostyk (alternate) will take her place to face Noskova tomorrow. "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.… pic.twitter.com/gT1iaf9a8C”