Elena Rybakina withdraws from 2026 WTA Finals as defending champion
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 7, 2026, 8:16 PM
Last updated Nov 7, 2026
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals, citing health issues. The World No. 1 announced her decision a day before her scheduled match, opting to rest and recover for the 2027 season. Rybakina, who won two Grand Slams and defended her Ningbo title this year, ends her season with a 54-14 record. Marta Kostyuk will replace her in the round robin matches, facing Linda Noskova. Rybakina's withdrawal marks a significant moment as she had a standout season despite struggling with injuries.
- •Rybakina withdraws a day before her match at the WTA Finals.
- •She finishes the year as World No. 1 after a successful season.
- •Marta Kostyuk steps in to replace Rybakina against Linda Noskova.
- •Rybakina won two Grand Slams and other titles in 2026.
- 8:16 PMYahoo Sports — WTA Finals loses defending champion: Elena Rybakina shares news no one wanted to hear
"Rybakina made the decision on Saturday, a day before she was scheduled to take the court
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