World number one tennis player Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the WTA Finals due to a viral illness, ruling her out of the tournament as she seeks to defend her title.
The 27-year-old Kazakh announced her withdrawal on the eve of the competition, citing her inability to compete physically despite recording the most successful season of her career.
According to BBC Sport on Sunday, Rybakina expressed disappointment over her decision, 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 targeting back-to-back WTA Finals titles, a feat last achieved by American tennis legend Serena Williams in 2014.
Her withdrawal comes after an outstanding 2026 season, during which she won the Australian Open and US Open, as well as tournaments in Stuttgart and Ningbo.
She also finished as runner-up at Indian Wells and Toronto.
The Kazakh clinched the year-end world number one ranking while competing in Tokyo in October, dethroning Aryna Sabalenka after ending the Belarusian’s 99-week reign at the summit.
Rybakina had defeated Sabalenka in the US Open final six weeks earlier.
She concluded the season with 54 victories in 68 matches, including 17 wins from 19 Grand Slam appearances.
Her impressive campaign was highlighted by 438 aces, 140 more than Sabalenka, alongside a tour-leading 1,775 winners and 10 victories against top-10 opponents.
Rybakina has claimed six of her 15 career titles since October last year, ending a nearly four-year wait for another major success following her maiden Grand Slam triumph at Wimbledon in 2022.
Her absence from the WTA Finals represents a significant setback for the tournament, as she will miss the chance to round off her remarkable season with another championship.
