World No.1 Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, the world's top-ranked player since September, has pulled out of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells due to a viral illness. The defending champion revealed in a statement that she is not physically prepared to compete and will instead focus on resting and preparing for her 2027 season. Rybakina expressed her disappointment, stating, "I'm really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year."

A WTA spokesperson confirmed that the official reason for her withdrawal is a viral illness. Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk will replace Rybakina in Group One. Rybakina had previously withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo due to a neck injury. She had achieved a major milestone in September by securing her first-ever world number one ranking, following her victory at the US Open in New York.

This marked a successful year for Rybakina, who also won the Australian Open in January and triumphed in three Grand Slam tournaments. Her first title came at Wimbledon in 2022. Rybakina had won the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh without dropping a set. Initially scheduled for Saudi Arabia, the tournament was moved to Indian Wells, California, following US military strikes on Iran in February and the ensuing war.

Several other sports events in Saudi Arabia have also been cancelled or postponed due to the ongoing conflict. Rybakina concluded her statement by wishing everyone luck during the tournament and looking forward to returning to Indian Wells in March.