The traditional group photograph featuring the eight WTA Finals qualifiers will not take place this year, with the tournament instead opting for individual portraits. The decision has attracted attention because of the presence of Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina alongside Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, amid reports that Svitolina did not want to share a photograph with her two rivals.
The WTA has presented the change as a new way of celebrating the players' individuality, but a report from Russian outlet Championat claims that Svitolina's position was behind the decision to abandon the traditional group picture. The organisation has not confirmed that explanation, and its public statement made no mention of any disagreement between the players.
The situation brings an established issue in women's tennis back into focus. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Svitolina has consistently refused to shake hands with opponents from Russia and Belarus, a position also followed by several other Ukrainian players. Andreeva and Sabalenka are among the competitors who could be involved in those encounters during the tournament.
The WTA Finals begin on November 8 at Indian Wells, with the season's eight leading players competing for the year-end title. Svitolina, Andreeva and Sabalenka have all been drawn in Group 2 alongside Karolina Muchova, meaning the three players will share the same competition environment for the opening stage.
WTA announces individual portraits instead of traditional group picture
In its announcement, the WTA described the individual portraits as a return of one of the tournament's anticipated traditions, with a different approach for this year's edition. “WTA Finals Portraits Return: One of the most anticipated traditions of the WTA Finals returns on Friday, November 6, with the unveiling of this year's official player portraits."
"Taking a fresh, personality-driven approach, the 2026 portraits will celebrate each qualifier's individuality, personal style and unique story, offering fans a new perspective on the stars of women's tennis. The full portrait collection will debut across the WTA's digital and social channels on Friday.”
WTA is doing portraits celebrating "individuality," presumably rather than a group photo at this year's WTA Finals. A group photo would've been off the table because of Svitolina's longstanding refusal to pose for photos with Russians or Belarusians since the invasion began. https://t.co/NBAwLZXgeW
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) November 5, 2026
The statement did not address the reports concerning Svitolina, Andreeva and Sabalenka. Championat, however, reported that the Ukrainian had refused to pose alongside the Russian and Belarusian players, prompting the change.
The traditional photograph has been a familiar part of the WTA Finals build-up for years. Previous editions have brought the eight singles qualifiers together around the tournament trophy, often in formal outfits and at a location associated with the host city. The images from Singapore, Shenzhen and Riyadh have become part of the event's pre-tournament presentation.
This year's individual portraits will therefore mark a visible departure from that tradition, regardless of the reason behind the decision.
Svitolina's position on Russian and Belarusian players
Svitolina has been consistent about her refusal to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian opponents since the start of the war in Ukraine. She has previously explained that the decision reflects the position of Ukrainians and her support for those defending her country.
In 2023, after defeating Victoria Azarenka at the Washington tournament, Svitolina said she had asked the WTA to respect the decision of Ukrainian players. The organisation displayed a message on the scoreboard to prepare spectators for the absence of a handshake.
Her encounters with Andreeva have followed the same pattern. At the 2026 Australian Open, Svitolina defeated the Russian 6-2, 6-4 in the fourth round. Andreeva went directly towards her bench after the match rather than approaching the net, avoiding a handshake that Svitolina was not going to offer.
The WTA Finals will put the two players in the same group again, alongside Sabalenka, another player with whom Svitolina does not exchange handshakes. Their presence in the same four-player section means the tournament could feature further attention around their interactions, particularly if they meet on court.
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Svitolina is no stranger to the year-end championship, having won the WTA Finals in 2018. Andreeva, meanwhile, is making her debut at the event, while Sabalenka will be looking to finish the season with another major title.
Svitolina will begin her WTA Finals campaign against Mirra Andreeva in Group 2 on Monday, November 9. It will be the third meeting between the Ukrainian and the Russian on the WTA Tour. Their previous encounters both ended without a handshake, in keeping with Svitolina's decision since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine to refuse handshakes and joint photographs with Russian and Belarusian players.
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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