World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals in Indian Wells because of a viral illness, ending her bid to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2014 to win the season-ending championship in consecutive years.
The 27-year-old Kazakh, who captured the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2026 to reach the top ranking for the first time, announced the decision on the eve of the tournament. "I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year. 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 said. She secured the year-end number one ranking in October after ending Aryna Sabalenka's 99-week reign with a US Open final victory. Rybakina's 2026 campaign also included titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo, runner-up finishes at Indian Wells and Toronto, a 54-14 match record, 438 aces, 1,775 winners, and 10 victories over top-10 opponents.
