Elena Rybakina Withdraws From WTA Finals With Viral Illness, Marta Kostyuk Replaces Her
Rybakina steps away
Rybakina announced her withdrawal on Saturday, November 7, ahead of the championships. She said she could not compete at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for medical reasons. “My body is just not physically ready to compete,” Rybakina said in a statement, per ESPN. She said she would rest and recover at home before turning her attention to the 2027 season.
Recent injury concerns
Rybakina had moved her pre-event news conference from Friday to Saturday. The previous week, she withdrew from the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals because of a neck injury. She was the defending WTA Finals champion after winning last year’s event in Saudi Arabia.
Kostyuk takes her place
Kostyuk, the first alternate in Group 1, will replace Rybakina. She is set to begin on Sunday against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are scheduled to meet in the day’s other matches.
Earlier title at US Open
Earlier this year, Rybakina beat two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to win the 2026 US Open final. After Rybakina celebrated with her team, Maria Sharapova joined her on court and presented the Tiffany-designed trophy. Fireworks went off inside Arthur Ashe Stadium as Rybakina raised the prize.
Key points
- Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals for medical reasons.
- She plans to rest at home and prepare for the 2027 season.
- Marta Kostyuk replaces her in Group 1 and is scheduled to face Linda Noskova.
- Rybakina won the 2026 US Open by defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three sets.