World No. 1 Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California, saying her body is not physically ready to compete. The Kazakh announced the decision on Saturday, the eve of the season-ending tournament, Sportstar reported, citing Reuters.
"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 released by the WTA. She said she would rest and recover at home and prepare for the 2027 season.
Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, 24 and ranked No. 10, replaces her in the draw. Kostyuk was due to play Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on the opening day on Sunday, and then Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in the group stage, according to Tennis Majors.
A season of niggles
Rybakina's year has brought titles, but also injuries. She won the US Open two months ago despite arriving with a leg injury from the Cincinnati Open, and last month she withdrew from the Tokyo quarter-finals with a neck injury, Sportstar reported.
Tennis Majors put her 2026 record at four titles and 54 wins against 14 losses: the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open and Ningbo. The two majors took her Grand Slam tally to three.
What it means for the rankings
Rybakina won last year's edition in Riyadh unbeaten. Tennis Majors reported that she will lose all the points from that title by not defending it, but cannot lose the No. 1 spot and will end the year at the top of the rankings.
Why it's in Indian Wells
This year's Finals were originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia. They were moved to Indian Wells in July after the US military strikes on Iran in February and the war that followed in the region, according to Sportstar. Several other sports events in Saudi Arabia have since been cancelled or postponed.
"The WTA Finals is a very special tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck this week. Can't wait to be back in Indian Wells in March," Rybakina said.