Elena Rybakina stunned the tennis world by withdrawing from the WTA Finals.

“I am really sad to inform all my fans and supporters that I unfortunately have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year,” said the world No 1, confirming the news that she would not be playing the year-end tournament.

“I’ve had an incredible season but my body is just not physically ready to compete,” she continued. “I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home and getting myself ready for the 2027 season. The WTA Finals is a very special tournament and I wish everyone the best of luck this week.”

Rybakina was the top seed at the event and would have been defending her title, after lifting the trophy for the first time in her career in 2025.

It’s a major miss for women’s tennis and now world No 2, Aryna Sabalenka, has explained her feelings on her biggest rival deciding not to play the WTA Finals.

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Speaking to First & Red, Sabalenka said: “I was definitely surprised, but at the same time, I understand that it’s been a very demanding season for her, both physically and mentally.

“So many long matches, long tournaments, and she also played a lot in Asia. I’m shocked that she withdrew, but she’s still had an incredible season. I think it’s the right decision to focus on her health.”

Rybakina’s decision to withdraw has given Sabalenka a major opportunity to win the WTA Finals for the first time in her career.

The world No 1 stopped Sabalenka from winning two Grand Slams this year, by defeating her in the final of the Australian Open and the US Open.

It also gives Sabalenka a big chance to cut down Rybakina’s lead at the top of the WTA Tour. There is currently 1614 ranking points splitting the two stars, so the Belarusian could be on the cusp of the top spot once again with good performances at Indian Wells.

Sabalenka lost her world No 1 status to Rybakina during the North American hardcourt swing as the Belarusian star’s middling performances on the clay and grass court season snuck up on her.

Rybakina has won four titles this year, at the Australian Open, the US Open, the Ningbo Open, and the Stuttgart Open, while Sabalenka has only claimed two: at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

With a first time victory at the WTA Finals to cap off the year, Sabalenka’s slightly disappointing season would certainly be ending on a high, so there is plenty at stake for the world No 2.