Top-seeded Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to medical concerns ahead of the start of the year-end championships in Indian Wells, California.
"I've had an incredible season, but my body is just not physically ready to compete," the 27-year-old said in a statement. "I'm going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season."
Rybakina is also sitting out the WTA 500 tournament in Tokyo in late October ahead of a quarterfinal matchup against Leylah Fernandez, noting neck inflammation and pain as the reason for her withdrawal.
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan practices prior to the FAGE WTA Finals at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. Getty Images
Nastia Liukin, left, interviews Elena Rybakina during the draw ceremony for the FAGE WTA Finals in Indian Wells, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Getty Images for WTA
The 27-year-old secured the year-end No. 1 ranking she first claimed by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three sets in the U.S. Open final.
Rybakina earned her third Grand Slam title with the victory. It was also her second win against Sabalenka this year, after beating her in three sets at the Australian Open a few months earlier.
A win against Sabalenka in Riyadh last year led to a historic payday for Rybakina, making just under $5.3 million (£3,96M).
Rybakina won both Grand Slam tournaments and the Kazakhstani was looking to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back titles at the WTA Finals with a win in Indian Wells.
Elena Rybakina holds up her trophy after defeating Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open in New York, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Jason Szenes for NY Post
The WTA Finals, which announced its relocation from the Middle East to California in July for safety reasons, will have to move on without the world's No. 1 player.
World No. 10 Marta Kostyuk enters the eight-player draw as the first alternate and will face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Sunday in the round-robin stage.
The alternate spot was originally going to go to six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, but the world No. 9 decided to end what she calls "one of the most demanding seasons of her career" on Oct. 20, with a focus now on resting and recharging ahead of 2027.
Swiatek leads Kostyuk with 278 ranking points.
