Overview
- Rybakina left a live Canal+ Sport interview saying “No, no me encuentro bien” and later issued an official withdrawal from the 2026 WTA Finals for medical reasons.
- Tournament organizers replaced the world No. 1 and defending champion with on-site alternate Marta Kostyuk, who was slotted to play Linda Noskova in the main draw.
- Multiple outlets report the withdrawal is tied to a viral illness that the player’s team says makes her physically unable to compete at Indian Wells.
- Rybakina arrived at the Finals after a demanding year that included the Australian Open and US Open titles and she has said she will use recovery time to focus on 2027.
- The change reshapes group draws and fan expectations at the season-ending event and highlights how WTA Finals rules allow on-site alternates to step in when a qualifier withdraws.