Rybakina skips WTA Finals defence as viral illness halts title bid

World number one Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells due to a viral illness, according to a statement released on Saturday. The defending champion cited that she was "not physically ready to compete" and would instead focus on resting and recovering for her 2027 campaign. Rybakina expressed her sadness in the statement, admitting that she had an incredible season but her body was not prepared for competition.

The WTA confirmed that the official reason for Rybakina's withdrawal was a viral illness. Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk will replace Rybakina in Group One at the tournament. Rybakina claimed the top world ranking in September after winning the US Open in New York, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. However, she withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last month due to a neck injury, a day after securing the year-end world number one ranking with a win in her opening match.

This victory capped a year of achievement for Rybakina, who won the Australian Open in January and now has three Grand Slam titles. She achieved her first title at Wimbledon in 2022. Rybakina had an undefeated run at the 2025 edition of the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia but was moved to Indian Wells following US military strikes on Iran in February and the ensuing conflict in the region.