Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells, ending her season earlier than planned after admitting that her body is not ready to compete. The Kazakh was due to feature among the eight qualifiers at the season-ending tournament but has decided against taking the risk, opting instead to prioritise her recovery ahead of the 2027 campaign.
Rybakina confirmed the decision in a statement addressed to her fans and supporters, describing it as a difficult announcement after what she called an incredible season. Her withdrawal is a significant setback for the tournament, which loses one of its leading contenders before the opening matches.
“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,” Rybakina said.
“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!”
Kostyuk replaces Rybakina in the WTA Finals draw
Marta Kostyuk will take Rybakina's place as the first alternate, earning an opportunity to compete at the season-ending tournament. The Ukrainian will not have much time to settle into the competition, as she is scheduled to open her campaign against Linda Noskova on Sunday.
Kostyuk's promotion gives her a chance to make an impact on one of the biggest stages in women's tennis, while Rybakina now faces an extended break before returning to competition next season.
Rybakina's withdrawal also means Indian Wells will not feature its defending champion. The 27-year-old arrives at the tournament as the world No. 1 and is guaranteed to finish the season at the top of the rankings regardless of her absence. She had been aiming to become the first player to defend the WTA Finals title since Serena Williams completed a three-year winning streak between 2012 and 2014. Every edition since then has produced a different champion, with no player managing to retain the trophy.
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Kostyuk will take Rybakina's place in Group 1, where she joins Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova. Only two players from the group will advance to the semifinals, making the Ukrainian's debut a challenging introduction to the season-ending event.
It will nevertheless be a valuable opportunity for Kostyuk to collect ranking points before the end of the season. Players earn 200 points for every round-robin victory, while the undefeated champion can accumulate a maximum of 1,500 points across the tournament.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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