Defending champion Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals on the eve of the season-ending tournament due to a medical issue. The world No 1 was scheduled to play Linda Noskova in the opening match on Sunday, with Marta Kostyuk stepping into Group 1 to take her place.
Tournament Withdrawal and Statement
The three-time Grand Slam winner announced her withdrawal in a statement, explaining that she is very sad to inform her supporters that she cannot compete this year. She noted that while she had an incredible season, her body is not physically ready for competition. Rybakina added that she plans to rest and recover at home to prepare for the 2027 season, while expressing her fondness for the WTA Finals and wishing competitors luck before pointing toward a return at Indian Wells in March.
Season Summary and Replacement Matchup
Rybakina aimed to defend the title she secured last year with an undefeated run in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Having entered the 2025 tournament as the final qualifier, she earned her spot early this season following her US Open victory. The 27-year-old finishes the year as world No 1 despite the withdrawal, holding a 54-14 record alongside four titles at the Australian Open, Stuttgart, the US Open, and the Ningbo Open.
Linda Noskova, who claimed the Wimbledon women’s singles title this summer at age 21 to become the youngest champion since Petra Kvitova, will now face world No 10 Marta Kostyuk in her opening match.
