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When the World Number One Skips the WTA Finals: Elena Rybakina's Withdrawal and Past Cases

Elena Rybakina, despite holding the world number one spot, will not participate in this year's WTA Finals due to a medical issue. Her 2026 season has been remarkable, claiming two Grand Slam titles and taking the top ranking from Aryna Sabalenka.

Many expected Rybakina, who is also the defending champion of the WTA Finals, to perform strongly at the year-end event. Her withdrawal marks only the fifth time a world number one has missed the WTA Finals since its inception.

History of World Number Ones Missing the WTA Finals

The WTA Finals features the top eight players of the season, including the world number one. Yet, several top-ranked players have missed it before:

  • Chris Evert skipped the tournament three times (1978, 1981, 1982) for scheduling reasons. Martina Navratilova won in two of those years, while Sylvia Hanika surprised with the title in 1982.
  • Serena Williams, a three-time defending champion, withdrew in 2015 because of injury. Agnieszka Radwanska claimed the title that year, and Williams never returned to the event afterward.
  • Simona Halep missed the 2018 Finals due to a back injury. Elina Svitolina seized the opportunity and won the championship; Svitolina is competing again this year.
  • Ash Barty opted out in 2021 for scheduling reasons linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. That year, Garbine Muguruza won her final career title; Muguruza now serves as the WTA Finals tournament director.

World Number Ones Who Missed the WTA Finals and Their Replacements

  • Chris Evert (1978, 1981 & 1982) – Scheduling choices; champions were Martina Navratilova (1978 & 1981) and Sylvia Hanika (1982).
  • Serena Williams (2015) – Injury; champion was Agnieszka Radwanska.
  • Simona Halep (2018) – Back injury; champion was Elina Svitolina.
  • Ash Barty (2021) – Scheduling choices; champion was Garbine Muguruza.
  • Elena Rybakina (2026) – Illness; tournament yet to be played.

Marta Kostyuk Steps In as Alternate

Marta Kostyuk will replace Rybakina, marking her debut at the WTA Finals. She has had her best season in 2026 so far and will try to surpass the achievements of previous alternates, none of whom have advanced beyond the round-robin stage.

In total, 11 players have entered the WTA Finals as alternates, but none managed to progress past the group phase. Agnieszka Radwanska had positive results in two appearances as an alternate but never played enough matches to advance. Kostyuk is unique in being the first alternate eligible to play all three round-robin matches, which could work in her favor.

WTA Finals Alternates and Their Results

  • Marion Bartoli (2007) – Replaced Serena Williams; round-robin record 1-1.
  • Agnieszka Radwanska (2008) – Replaced Ana Ivanovic; round-robin record 1-0.
  • Nadia Petrova (2008) – Replaced Serena Williams; round-robin record 0-1.
  • Vera Zvonareva (2009) – Replaced Dinara Safina; round-robin record 0-1.
  • Agnieszka Radwanska (2009) – Replaced Vera Zvonareva; round-robin record 1-0.
  • Marion Bartoli (2011) – Replaced Maria Sharapova; round-robin record 1-0.
  • Sam Stosur (2012) – Replaced Petra Kvitova; round-robin record 0-2.
  • Kiki Bertens (2019) – Replaced Naomi Osaka; round-robin record 1-1.
  • Sofia Kenin (2019) – Replaced Bianca Andreescu; round-robin record 0-1.
  • Daria Kasatkina (2024) – Replaced Jessica Pegula; round-robin record 0-1.
  • Ekaterina Alexandrova (2025) – Replaced Madison Keys; round-robin record 0-1.

Kostyuk will begin play on Sunday, November 8, facing Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Both players belong to Group 1, along with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. If any other players withdraw, Diana Shnaider will be next in line to join the tournament.

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