Top-ranked Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals for medical reasons before the season-ending championships begin. The 27-year-old stated her body was not physically ready to compete, citing a neck injury that also forced her withdrawal from last week's Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals in Japan. She finishes the season with a 54-14 match record and four titles, including the Australian Open.
Marta Kostyuk moves into the draw as the first alternate in Group 1, and she will open play Sunday against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula meet in the day's other round-robin singles match. Rybakina's absence marks a significant shift in the season-ending tournament dynamics.
Kostyuk steps in as the first alternate, while Gauff and Pegula open round-robin play. The defending champion's withdrawal creates opportunities for the remaining competitors as the event gets underway at Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing