Tennis world number one Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals due to virus

Defending champion and world number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals, saying she was not physically ready to compete after a demanding season. Her absence matters for the tournament and the rankings: Marta Kostyuk takes her place, while world number two Aryna Sabalenka could narrow the gap at the top.

Organisers attributed Rybakina’s withdrawal to a viral illness and said she had not recovered in time after late-season physical problems. She also pulled out of a Tokyo quarter-final last month with a neck injury, despite winning two Grand Slam titles this year. The Finals have moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells, with tournament director Garbiñe Muguruza citing safety concerns amid conflict in the Middle East; Kostyuk, who won the Madrid title and broke into the top 10, will make her debut.