Rybakina pulls out of WTA Finals, Kostyuk steps in
Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals because of a viral illness. Marta Kostyuk, the Ukrainian first alternate and world No 10, will replace her in the eight‑woman draw and meet Linda Noskova in the opening round‑robin. The event runs 8‑15 Nov in Indian Wells, California. Rybakina ends the season as world No 1 with a 54‑14 record, having captured the Australian Open, US Open and four titles overall. Earlier she missed the Tokyo quarter‑finals with a neck injury and sat out the US Open opening match due to a foot injury.
Key facts
- Rybakina won the US Open despite a leg injury from the Cincinnati Open.
- She also defended her title at the Ningbo Open in 2026.
- The 2026 WTA Finals will feature former champions Elina Svitolina (2018) and Coco Gauff (2024).
- Rybakina's Grand Slam record this season was 17‑2.
- Kostyuk is ranked world No 10.
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Why it matters
Her withdrawal reshapes the season‑ending championship field.
What changed
First published from Sky Sports, CNA, Yahoo Sports and The Independent