World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to a viral illness, ending her bid to defend the title she won last year. The 27-year-old was hoping to emulate American great Serena Williams by becoming the first player since 2014 to win the WTA Finals in consecutive years. However, she announced her withdrawal on the eve of the tournament.
"I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year," the Kazakh said in a statement. "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," she added.
"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." Rybakina has enjoyed the most successful season of her career in 2026, adding two Grand Slam titles to her Wimbledon triumph in 2022 with victories at the Australian Open and US Open.
She rose to the top of the world rankings for the first time in September, ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign at No. 1 with her victory over the Belarusian in the US Open final in New York. Despite withdrawing from the season-ending tournament, Rybakina has secured the year-end world number one ranking.
In addition to her Grand Slam triumphs, Rybakina also won titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo, while finishing runner-up at Indian Wells and Toronto. She ended the season with 54 wins from 68 matches, including 17 victories in 19 Grand Slam matches, and four titles overall.
The 27-year-old has been replaced by Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk in Group One at the tournament. Kostyuk will face 2026 Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the opening group-stage match of the 2026 WTA Finals.