World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals on the eve of the tournament. The Kazakhstani star, who was set to defend her title, pulled out of the competition due to a medical issue, effectively ending her 2026 season.
Kim Clijsters on Rybakina’s Condition
Three-time WTA Finals champion Kim Clijsters recently shared her perspective on Rybakina’s health during an appearance on the “Love All” podcast. Clijsters noted that she had observed Rybakina looking “exhausted” over the past few months, suggesting that the physical toll of a heavy match schedule combined with potential sleep difficulties may have contributed to her current state.
“I’ve seen her over the past few months at times, where she’s kind of looked almost very exhausted, and I feel for her,” Clijsters said. She emphasized that recovery is a critical component for professional tennis players, particularly when managing jet lag and the rigid scheduling required to compete at the highest level.
Clijsters also referenced a widely circulated video from the tournament’s media day, in which Rybakina appeared unable to proceed with an interview. “I also saw the video clip where she was ready to do the interview, and you could just tell that she’s not feeling well,” Clijsters explained. “You don’t go to an event when you’re sick; you try to go and feel that you’re healthy and ready to start competing.”
Podcast host Blair Henley echoed these sentiments, stating that the footage from Canal Plus provided clear evidence that Rybakina was struggling before the event began. “If there was any doubt that she was absolutely feeling it prior to this event, I think all you have to do is look at that clip,” Henley said.
Impact on World Rankings
Although Rybakina is guaranteed to finish 2026 as the world number one, her absence from the WTA Finals creates an opportunity for other players to narrow the gap in the rankings. Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva are both currently competing in the tournament and could significantly reduce their point deficits depending on their performance in the coming matches.
The stakes are high for the start of the 2027 season, as Rybakina will be required to defend 2,000 points earned from her Australian Open victory earlier this year. If she is unable to retain that title, she faces the possibility of losing the top ranking to either Sabalenka or Andreeva, particularly if one of them secures the WTA Finals trophy this month.
Currently, Sabalenka and Andreeva are leading Group 2 after winning their opening matches in straight sets. The two players are scheduled to face each other on Wednesday, November 11.
