Sick Rybakina suddenly abandons interview before withdrawing from WTA Finals

The WTA Finals 2026 start this Sunday in Indian Wells, and they do so without Elena Rybakinanumber one in the world, who announced this Saturday his resignation from the tournament due to a viral process that prevents him from taking to the court.

Apparently, the Kazakh woman had been feeling unwell for a few days, as could be seen a few hours before the official announcement, when she was forced to abandon the interview she was giving to Canal+ Sport.

Given the weakness and lack of energy shown by Rybakina, The journalist offered him the opportunity to stop the conversation.something that the tennis player was immediately grateful for.

Without a doubt, a demonstration that something was not going well, as would be confirmed only a few hours later with the announcement of his withdrawal.

“Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the 2026 WTA Finals for medical reasons“he said in a statement, in which he also announced that the Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk will take her place.

Kostyuk will face the Czech Linda Noskova this Sunday (9 p.m. Spanish time) in the opening match of the tournament. Kostyuk and Noskova are in one of the two groups in the WTA Finals along with Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff.

Rybakina, who was defending the 2025 title, lamented that her “body is not fit to compete.”

“I am very sad to announce (…) that, unfortunately, this year I have to give up competing in the WTA Finals“said the Muscovite. “I have had an incredible season, but my body is not in condition to compete,” she added.

“I’m going to spend some time resting and recovering at home, and preparing for the 2027 season.“said Rybakina, who this season won the Australian and United States Opens, in addition to reaching number one in the world after two years of dominance by the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.