The 2026 WTA Finals are all shook up, as world No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew from this season’s year-end competition shortly before Sunday’s start.
The defending champion left due to medical reasons, with replacement No. 10 Marta Kostyuk joining the eight-player field at Indian Wells.
“I’ve had an incredible season, but my body is just not physically ready to compete,” Rybakina said.
Kostyuk kicked off the round-robin tournament with a loss to No. 8 Linda Nosková, while No. 4 Coco Gauff took down No. 5 Jessica Pegula in three sets.
2025 runner-up No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign today against No. 7 Karolína Muchová, before No. 3 Mirra Andreeva faces No. 6 Elina Svitolina.
2026 WTA Finals coverage continus today at 3 PM ET (Tennis Channel).
