Elena Rybakina withdraws from 2026 WTA Finals with viral illness

World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells, citing a viral illness, according to the WTA.

Rybakina said in a statement: "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!"

A WTA spokesman later confirmed that the official reason for Rybakina's withdrawal "is a viral illness."

Replacement and draw

Marta Kostyuk will assume Rybakina's spot in Group 1 and will face Linda Noskova in the tournament's opening match on Sunday. Kostyuk will also play Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in subsequent round robin matches.

Rybakina was set to face Linda Noskova in the tournament's opening match on Sunday.

Season and ranking

Rybakina entered the season's year-end event as the defending champion, going undefeated at the 2025 edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the last qualifier. This season, she was the first singles qualifier after winning her third Grand Slam at the US Open, where she also took the No. 1 ranking.

Rybakina finishes her 2026 season on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz with a 54-14 record and four titles -- Australian Open, Stuttgart, US Open and Ningbo. Despite the withdrawal, she earned the WTA year-end No. 1 singles ranking presented by PIF while in Tokyo.

Rybakina rose to the top of the world rankings for the first time in September with a victory at the US Open in New York, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final. She now has three Grand Slam titles, her first coming at Wimbledon in 2022.

Why it matters

Rybakina's withdrawal removes the world No. 1 and defending champion from the season-ending event on the eve of the tournament. Kostyuk enters the eight-player draw as the replacement, and Rybakina will still end the year as the No. 1 ranked player.

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Sources

• wtatennis.com: Elena Rybakina withdraws from 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells with viral illness
• nypost.com: Health issues lead to No. 1 Elena Rybakina's WTA Final withdrawal
• oskaloosa.com: Elena Rybakina out before the WTA Finals begin, and Marta Kostyuk steps in | National Sports | oskaloosa.com
• skysports.com: Elena Rybakina pulls out of 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells due to medical issue and is replaced by Marta Kostyuk | Tennis News | Sky Sports
• sports.yahoo.com: Elena Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals, Marta Kostyuk takes her place - Yahoo Sports
• rfi.fr: World No.1 Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals due to virus

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.