WTA Finals loses defending champion: Elena Rybakina shares news no one wanted to hear
Rybakina made the decision on Saturday, a day before she was scheduled to take the court
Elena Rybakina, the reigning champion and World No. 1, will not participate in the 2026 WTA Finals. She has withdrawn from the event, citing health concerns. Rybakina had postponed a press conference due to feeling unwell and later announced her withdrawal, stating she would focus on resting and preparing for the 2027 season. Despite playing through injuries throughout her career-defining 2026 season, Rybakina acknowledged that her body could not withstand further strain.
Marta Kostyuk has been promoted to the defending champion's position and will face Linda Noskova in the opening round-robin match on Sunday. Rybakina's withdrawal leaves Kostyuk as the first alternate, with Diana Shnaider as the second. Elina Svitolina and Coco Gauff are the only players from the 2018 and 2024 WTA Finals, respectively, still in contention.
Serena Williams holds the record for the most WTA Finals titles, having won five between 2001 and 2014.
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