Elena Rybakina pulls out of WTA Finals as replacement for ‘really sad’ star confirmed
Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals with an illness on the eve of the tournament getting underway. Rybakina has enjoyed a stunning 2026 season and entered the WTA Finals as the top seed, having won the competition 12 months ago.
Rybakina’s resurgence on the WTA Tour saw her win both the Australian and US Opens, as well as toppling Aryna Sabalenka as the world No.1. But the 27-year-old won’t play any part in the season-ending showpiece, having officially announced her withdrawal.
There had been whispers that something was brewing behind the scenes, given that Rybakina skipped her pre-match media duties because of the illness. And now, it’s proved too serious for her to compete in the first match of the group stage against Linda Noskova, which was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
In a statement announcing her exit, Rybakina said: “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 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!”
Marta Kostyuk has already been announced as Rybakina’s replacement, meaning the Ukrainian will face Noskova in Sunday’s match. Kostyuk is ranked 10th in the world and reached the semi-finals of both Wimbledon and the French Open this year.
For Kostyuk, it’s a first-ever appearance at the end-of-year tournament. It also means the new 2026 WTA Finals line-up is as follows: Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Marta Kostyuk, Karolina Muchova, Linda Noskova, Elina Svitolina.
Rybakina’s untimely exit from the line-up will represent good news for Sabalenka, who is now likely the woman to beat in California. The Belarusian has been struggling with fitness concerns of late, but believes she’s in a much better place of late.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, the former world No.1 remarked: “First of all, I was trying to fix my body. I think we did the right things to it, so physically I feel better. Then yeah, it was a lot of training, a lot of physical and mental training. Let’s see how it goes.”
Adding: “[I’m] trying to stop overthinking, and trust my instincts more, leaving some things behind. It was lots of work.
