World number one tennis player Rybakina withdraws from WTA finals

Elena Rybakina went undefeated on her way to winning the WTA Finals for the first time in 2025 Photo: GETTY IMAGES

World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to a viral illness, ending her bid to defend the title she won last year.

The 27-year-old Kazakh announced her withdrawal on the eve of the tournament, saying her body was not physically ready to compete despite enjoying the most successful season of her career.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, she was quoted as saying, “I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,” Rybakina said.

“I’ve had an incredible season but my body is just not physically ready to compete.

“I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season.”

Rybakina had been hoping to become the first player since American great Serena Williams in 2014 to win the WTA Finals in consecutive years.

Her withdrawal comes after a remarkable 2026 campaign in which she captured the Australian Open and US Open titles, alongside victories in Stuttgart and Ningbo.

She also finished runner-up at Indian Wells and Toronto, further underlining her consistency throughout the season.

The Kazakh secured the year-end world number one ranking while competing in Tokyo in October, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the top following her victory over the Belarusian in the US Open final six weeks earlier.

Rybakina finished the season with 54 victories from 68 matches, including 17 wins in 19 Grand Slam outings.

Her success was largely driven by an outstanding serving performance, with 438 aces, 140 more than second-placed Sabalenka.

She also recorded a tour-leading 1,775 winners and an unmatched 10 victories against fellow top-10 players. TV

Rybakina has won six of her 15 career titles since October last year, ending a nearly four-year wait to add to her maiden Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon in 2022.

Her absence will be a major setback to the WTA Finals, as she misses the opportunity to close an outstanding season by defending her championship.