Elena Rybakina Withdraws From WTA Finals With Viral Illness, Marta Kostyuk Replaces Her
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Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals ahead of the championships.
The 27-year-old released a statement on Saturday (November 7) to share she was withdrawing due to medical reasons and would be unable to compete at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“I’ve had an incredible season, but my body is just not physically ready to compete,” she said in a statement, per ESPN. “I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season.”
Elena was the defending champ after winning last year in Saudi Arabia. She also previously pushed her pre-event news conference from Friday to Saturday and had withdrawn last week from the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals due to a neck injury.
Marta Kostyuk will replace her
Marta Kostyuk will replace her as the first alternate in Group 1 and she’s set to open on Sunday against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will meet in the day’s other matches.
Earlier this year, Elena defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in three sets, winning the closely contested final at the 2026 US Open.
After Elena celebrated with her team, Maria Sharapova joined her on the court and personally handed her the Tiffany-designed championship trophy. Fireworks erupted inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as Elena raised the prize above her head.
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