Elina Svitolina (Photo: instagram.com/elisvitolina)

WTA canceled its traditional Finals group photoshoot after Elina Svitolina refused to pose alongside Russian and Belarusian players, tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg wrote on X on Nov. 5.

Ukraine's top-ranked tennis star Elina Svitolina has officially qualified for the prestigious season-ending WTA Finals, where the Women's Tennis Association has for the first time in tournament history scrapped its iconic joint opening photoshoot featuring all eight elite qualifiers.

Decision to abandon the ceremony stems directly from Svitolina's unyielding refusal to appear in promotional photo sessions alongside athletes representing Russia and Belarus.

"A joint photo was likely rendered impossible due to the long-standing stance of Elina Svitolina, who since the start of the full-scale invasion has refused to be photographed alongside representatives of Russia and Belarus," Rothenberg noted.

In lieu of the classic ensemble frame, the tour will showcase the eight finalists through separate individual portraits, the WTA press office announced.

"The portraits embrace an entirely new aesthetic concept centered on each player's individual persona. They highlight individuality, personal fashion, and the unique athletic narrative of every participant, offering fans a fresh perspective on the stars of women's tennis," WTA stated in an official release.

The tour plans to unveil the official player portraits across its digital and social media channels on Nov. 6, 2026.

The joint glamour shoot has long served as a signature hallmark of the WTA Finals. Traditionally, the top eight singles qualifiers gathered in high-fashion designer evening wear for a commemorative pre-tournament photo that anchored the competition's gala opening festivities.

Svitolina was drawn into the same round-robin group as Russian player Mirra Andreeva and Belarusian world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

The Ukrainian star will open her tournament campaign against the world number three Andreeva on Nov. 9, 2026.

This marks Svitolina's fourth career appearance at the WTA Finals, with her personal best performance coming in 2018 when she captured the championship crown.