Tennis: World No. 1 Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineWorld number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals due to a viral illness, bringing an end to her bid to defend the title she won last year.
The 27-year-old Kazakh announced her decision on the eve of the tournament, admitting that her body was not physically ready to compete despite enjoying the most successful season of her career.
Speaking about her withdrawal, Rybakina expressed disappointment at missing the tournament and thanked her supporters.
“I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,” she said, as reported by BBC Sport.
“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 a historic achievement, hoping to become the first player since American legend Serena Williams in 2014 to win the WTA Finals in consecutive years.
Her withdrawal comes after an outstanding 2026 campaign in which she claimed the Australian Open and US Open titles, alongside tournament victories in Stuttgart and Ningbo.
She also finished runner-up at Indian Wells and Toronto, further demonstrating her consistency throughout the season.
The Kazakh secured the year-end world number one ranking while competing in Tokyo in October, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s 99-week reign at the top following her victory over the Belarusian in the US Open final six weeks earlier.
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Rybakina finished the campaign with 54 victories from 68 matches, including 17 wins in 19 Grand Slam appearances.
Her success was driven largely by an exceptional serving record, with 438 aces, 140 more than second-placed Sabalenka.
She also recorded a tour-leading 1,775 winners and an unmatched 10 victories against fellow top-10 players.
Rybakina has won six of her 15 career titles since October last year, ending a nearly four-year wait for another major triumph following her maiden Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2022.
Her absence represents a significant setback for the WTA Finals, as the world number one misses the opportunity to conclude an exceptional season by defending her championship.
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