World number one Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina, the current world No 1, has pulled out of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells after being struck by a viral illness, the tournament organisers said. The 27‑year‑old Kazakhian made the announcement on the eve of the event, which was due to start on Sunday. She had been set to try to become the first player since 2014 to retain the WTA Finals crown and join Serena Williams in achieving back‑to‑back titles.

Rybakina's 2026 season was highlighted by triumphs at both the Australian Open and the US Open, which lifted her to the top of the rankings for the first time. She clinched the year‑end No 1 spot while playing in Tokyo in October and ended Aryna Sabalenka's 99‑week reign by beating her in the US Open final six weeks earlier. The year also saw her reach finals in Indian Wells and Toronto, and claim titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo, adding six wins to her tally of 15 career titles since the previous October.

"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. "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." She finished the campaign with a 54‑win, 68‑match record, including 17 victories in 19 Grand Slam matches, 438 aces – 140 more than Sabalenka – and 1,775 winners, alongside ten wins over other top‑10 opponents.