Rybakina is the defending champion. Concerns mounted as she postponed her press conference on Friday because she was feeling unwell. Upon making the announcement, Rybakina said: “I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season.”
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Marta Kostyuk moves into her position and will face Linda Noskova to open Sunday’s round robin matches. Like Rybakina, Kostyuk had a career year but also dealt with injuries.
Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 12, 2026 Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in action during her final match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Robert Deutsch Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters (Reuters)
At the Japan Open, she withdrew with a neck injury.
Rybakina played through the adversity as much as possible but has always been clear that she plays when she feels she can compete well. Physically, her body must be beyond the point where she can power through.
It is not unheard of for players to withdraw from the WTA Finals. In fact, Madison Keys withdrew during the tournament last year due to illness. Kostyuk is the first alternate, and Diana Shnaider is the second.
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Elina Svitolina and Coco Gauff are the only players left in the draw that won the WTA Finals in 2018 and 2024, respectively. Serena Williams was the last player to win more than WTA Finals title, earning five between 2001 and 2014.
