World No. 1 singles player Elena Rybakina will not compete at the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals, infohub.kz reports.
The 27-year-old was entered in the Indian Wells tournament as the top seed. However, a day before the scheduled start, Rybakina announced she would not take the court.
"It is with deep sadness that I tell all my fans and supporters that, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from this year's WTA Finals. I have had an incredible season, but my body is simply not physically ready to compete. I am going to spend some time at home, resting and recovering, to prepare for the 2027 season. The WTA Finals are special to me, and I wish everyone the best of luck this week. I look forward to returning to Indian Wells in March!" Rybakina said.
Last season the Kazakhstani won the WTA Finals. Despite losing ranking points because she cannot defend the title, she will finish the year as world No. 1.
Rybakina will be replaced by Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk, who is ranked tenth in the WTA rankings. The WTA Finals debutant will play in Group No. 1 alongside Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula, as well as Czech Linda Nosková.