Elena Rybakina will not defend her WTA Finals title after withdrawing due to injury, with Marta Kostyuk stepping in to fill the vacancy. The World No. 1 postponed her scheduled press conference on Friday, citing feeling unwell, and later announced she would focus on rest and recovery ahead of the 2027 season.
Rybakina, who finished the year as the top-ranked player, had a career-best season in 2026. She claimed two Grand Slam titles alongside two additional WTA trophies, including successfully defending her Ningbo Open title. Her overall record stood at 54 wins and 14 losses across 68 matches.
Despite her success, Rybakina battled injuries throughout the year. A foot injury cast doubt on her participation at the US Open, yet she managed to compete and ultimately triumphed. At the Japan Open, she withdrew due to a neck injury. The decision to pull out of the WTA Finals came after a series of physical setbacks that went beyond her ability to compete at the highest level.
“I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season,” Rybakina said in her withdrawal announcement.
Kostyuk, who had a breakthrough season herself but also faced injury challenges, will replace Rybakina and face Linda Noskova in the opening round-robin match on Sunday. Kostyuk was the first alternate, while Diana Shnaider remains the second.
Rybakina’s absence leaves Elina Svitolina and Coco Gauff as the only former WTA Finals champions still competing in this year’s tournament. Svitolina won the title in 2018, while Gauff claimed it in 2024. Serena Williams remains the last player to have won multiple WTA Finals titles, with five between 2001 and 2014.
Withdrawals at the WTA Finals are not unusual. Last year, Madison Keys pulled out during the tournament due to illness. Rybakina’s decision follows a pattern of players prioritizing their health in a demanding schedule.
The WTA Finals field will now adjust as Kostyuk prepares to take the place of the defending champion in a tournament that concludes the year with the best players on the women’s tour.
According to Yahoo Sports.
