World No. 1 Elena Rybakina Withdraws From WTA Finals Due to Illness
Late Illness Scuppers Defense
World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals because of a viral illness, bbc.co.uk reported.
The 27-year-old Kazakh announced her withdrawal on the eve of the tournament, ending her bid to defend the title she won last year. She was set to begin her campaign on Sunday in her quest to become the first player since American great Serena Williams in 2014 to win the WTA Finals in consecutive years.
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, as quoted by bbc.co.uk. 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.
A Heavy Blow for the Showcase
The absence is a major setback to the WTA Finals as the top-ranked player misses the opportunity to close out her year by defending the championship.
Her dominance on the court was driven by tour-leading statistics. She landed 438 aces this season, putting her 140 clear of second-placed Sabalenka. She also hit an unrivalled 1,775 winners and secured 10 victories against fellow top-10 opponents.
Ascent to the Summit in Tokyo
Rybakina secured her position as the year-end world number one while competing in Tokyo in October. That milestone followed her victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final six weeks earlier, which ended Sabalenka’s 99-week hold on the top ranking.
A Record-Breaking 2026 Campaign
Her stellar 2026 campaign featured triumphs at the Australian Open and the US Open, alongside titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo. She also finished as runner-up at Indian Wells and Toronto. Across the season, she won 54 of her 68 matches, including 17 out of 19 in Grand Slam tournaments.
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals.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”
Turning Sustained Pressure Into Hardware
Since last October, Rybakina has claimed six of her 15 career titles. That stretch of sustained success helped her end a nearly four-year wait to back up her maiden Grand Slam title, which she won at Wimbledon in 2022.