# Rybakina withdrawal a blow but WTA Finals field remains strong, says Muguruza

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/rybakina-withdrawal-a-blow-but-wta-finals-field-remains-strong-says-muguruza/
- Published: 2026-11-08T00:35:18+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T01:23:48+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/rybakina-withdrawal-blow-wta-finals-field-remains-strong-says-muguruza-6533651
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Rybakina withdrew from the WTA Finals to recover.
- Marta Kostyuk takes her place at Indian Wells.
- Aryna Sabalenka could close the rankings gap.

## Summary

Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals, saying she was not physically ready to compete after a demanding season. Tournament director Garbiñe Muguruza called her absence disappointing but said recovery should come first, while arguing the remaining players still make for a strong field.

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, who won the Madrid title and broke into the top 10 this year, takes Rybakina’s place in the eight-player event at Indian Wells. Rybakina also left the Tokyo quarter-finals last month with a neck injury; her withdrawal gives world number two Aryna Sabalenka a chance to narrow the rankings gap. The Finals moved from Riyadh to Indian Wells because of safety concerns amid regional conflict, and Muguruza said players had welcomed the change.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.