World number one women’s tennis player Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals 2026 due to a viral infection, Báo Lao Động reported.
Elena Rybakina Withdraws From WTA Finals 2026 With Viral Illness
The defending champion announced her withdrawal in a statement released by the Women’s Tennis Association, noting that she lacked the physical strength to compete in the season-ending tournament. Rybakina stated that she will focus on rest and recovery in preparation for the 2027 season.
Elena Rybakina released a statement as she withdraw from the WTA Finals ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fJJqgXVt1p
I am very sad to announce to my fans and supporters that I have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,
Rybakina said in the WTA statement. I had a great season, but currently my body is not ready to compete. I will rest and recover at home and prepare for the 2027 season.
A WTA spokesperson confirmed that the official reason for Rybakina’s withdrawal is a viral illness. Ukrainian player Marta Kostyuk will take Rybakina’s place in Group 1 for the tournament.
Marta Kostyuk Steps in as Replacement in Group 1
Kostyuk enters the tournament field following the withdrawal of the top seed. The adjustment alters the composition of Group 1 as the event moves forward without the defending champion.
This year’s WTA Finals were originally scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia but were relocated to Indian Wells, California, in July. That decision followed a United States military attack on Iran in February and subsequent regional conflict. Several other sports events in Saudi Arabia have also been canceled or postponed in recent weeks due to attacks targeting the country.
A Stellar 2026 Season Cut Short by Illness and Injury
Rybakina secured the year-end world number one ranking in September after winning the US Open in New York, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final. That victory highlighted a strong campaign that included 54 wins, 14 losses, and four tournament titles, starting with the Australian Open in January.
The 26-year-old player currently holds three Grand Slam titles, having earned her first major trophy at Wimbledon in 2022.
Top-ranked and defending WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina will not play in the 2026 WTA Finals, citing a medical withdrawal. https://t.co/PrDPTdarYg
Last month, Rybakina was forced to withdraw from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a neck injury, coming just a day after she won her opening match to officially secure the year-end top ranking.
The WTA Finals is a very special tournament,
Rybakina said. Good luck to everyone playing this week. I want to return to Indian Wells in March.
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”
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