Top-ranked Elena Rybakina pulls out of WTA Finals due to health issues

World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals for medical reasons just before the season-ending tournament begins at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The 27-year-old released a statement on Saturday explaining that her body is not physically ready to compete after a long year. She plans to spend time resting at home to prepare for the 2027 season. According to Kursiv Media, the WTA later confirmed that a viral illness was behind her withdrawal, following an earlier neck injury that forced her out of the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals in Japan.

Replacement And Matches

Marta Kostyuk enters the main draw as the first alternate in Group 1. She plays her opening match on Sunday against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula face each other in the other round-robin singles match of the day.

Season Highlights

Rybakina finishes her year with a 54-14 match record and four titles. Her tournament victories this season include the Australian Open, Stuttgart, Ningbo, and the US Open in September. That win in New York helped her reach the top of the WTA rankings for the first time.

Context

Players often face heavy physical and mental fatigue after a full year of global tennis tournaments. Because Rybakina had already secured the year-end number one ranking, missing this final event does not change her spot at the top of the standings.