Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals at Indian Wells
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells due to a medical issue.
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina will not defend her WTA Finals title at Indian Wells after withdrawing with a medical issue. WTA Tennis reported Marta Kostyuk will take her place in Group 1.
Key takeaways
- World No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells
- WTA Tennis said she cited a medical issue
- Marta Kostyuk will assume Rybakina's spot in Group 1
- Kostyuk will face Linda Noskova in the opening match on Sunday
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals at Indian Wells, citing a medical issue, WTA Tennis reported. The Kazakhstani player will not defend her title at the season-ending championship in California.
I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,” Rybakina said in a statement. “I’ve had an incredible season but my body is just not physically ready to compete. I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season.
Rybakina won the 2025 WTA Finals, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 7–6(7–0) in the final. It was her 11th WTA Tour-level singles title, and she became the first Kazakhstani player and first player representing an Asian country to win the WTA Finals.
Rybakina has won 15 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including three majors, two WTA 1000 titles, and the 2025 WTA Finals. She is the first Kazakhstani player to win a major, and to be ranked world No. 1 and in the world’s top 10.
The WTA Finals is the season-ending championship of the WTA Tour. It is the most significant tennis event in the women’s annual calendar after the four majors, featuring the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams based on their results throughout the season.
Marta Kostyuk will assume Rybakina’s spot in Group 1, WTA Tennis said. She will face Linda Noskova in the tournament’s opening match on Sunday. Kostyuk will also play Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in subsequent round-robin matches.
The WTA Finals continues at Indian Wells with the revised Group 1 draw. No replacement date or venue change was announced in the sources.
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