Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals because of a viral illness.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.
Coco Gauff
3 stories since 6 November 2026, newest first
8 November 2026
7 November 2026
The WTA has taken down all practice‑court livestreams from its YouTube channel and issued an apology after a live audio feed captured American player Jessica Pegula calling Russian Mirra Andreeva a “diva” and questioning her coach. The incident occurred during a practice session at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, where microphones were active without player notice. Pegula said she was unaware the conversation was being broadcast and hopes the episode will prompt stronger privacy safeguards.
6 November 2026
The 2026 WTA Finals begin on 8 Nov at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California and run to 15 Nov, with live coverage on Sky Sports. World No 1 Elena Rybakina, who won the Australian Open and U.S. Open this year, leads the eight-player field as defending champion. Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Rybakina in the BNP Paribas Open final at the same venue in March, is named by Sky Sports and commentator Marion Bartoli as a main contender. Five players return to the event and three are making their debut. The round-robin format requires consistent play from the first match.