Elena Rybakina, the world number one, has withdrawn from the season-ending WTA Finals, saying she is not physically ready to compete.
The top seed is out. World number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals, leaving the season-ending showpiece without its highest-ranked player.
Rybakina explained her decision by saying she is not "physically ready to compete". Her statement points to a body that needs more time, and she chose not to take the court below her best at the most demanding event of the calendar.
The WTA Finals brings together the elite of the women's game for a final push at the end of a long, punishing season. Losing the world number one before a ball is struck changes the shape of the draw and the conversation around who the favourite is.
For her rivals, it opens the door. With the top-ranked name gone, the chase for the title becomes more wide open, and the players who do take the court will know a major obstacle has been removed.
All eyes now turn to how the field responds and who steps up to claim the biggest prize of the year's final stretch.
