Heartbreaking news! World No. 1 and defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals! Despite arriving in Indian Wells, the top seed announced her decision to pull out just one day before the tournament was set to begin.
Rybakina traveled to Indian Wells, posed for player portraits and editorial coverage, only to deliver a cold shower to fans with the announcement that she was withdrawing due to a medical issue. The Kazakhstani explained that her body was 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 27-year-old Rybakina said. “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!”
Last year, Rybakina captured the WTA Finals Riyadh without losing a single match. This season, she became the first singles player to qualify for the prestigious tournament after winning her third Grand Slam title at the US Open, where she also reached the No. 1 spot in the rankings.
Marta Kostyuk will take Rybakina’s place in Group 1 and face Linda Noskova in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday, followed by round-robin clashes against Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula.
