Rybakina Misses Media Day Due to Illness
Defending WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina did not complete her pre-tournament media obligations in Indian Wells, with alternate Marta Kostyuk on site.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Tennis
Elena Rybakina did not complete her pre-tournament media day at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells due to illness. WTA officials described her as "not feeling well," and her press session was moved to Saturday.
Why it matters
Rybakina is the defending champion and World No. 1, so her availability shapes the early look of the tournament. Alternate Marta Kostyuk, World No. 10, is on site in case Rybakina cannot compete.
Rybakina has won all three head-to-head meetings with Linda Noskova in straight sets, and the 21-year-old Noskova is the opponent in Sunday's opener. Whether Rybakina is fit enough to take the court remains unconfirmed.
The players
Elena Rybakina
Kazakhstan-born tennis player who is the defending WTA Finals champion and currently ranked World No. 1.
Marta Kostyuk
Ukrainian tennis player ranked World No. 10 who is on site at the WTA Finals as the alternate who would replace Rybakina.
Linda Noskova
Czech tennis player who is scheduled to face Rybakina in the opening match of the WTA Finals.
The details
Every other WTA Finals qualifier completed a press conference at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday, while Rybakina's session was moved to Saturday. Her scheduled practice with Mirra Andreeva was also cancelled, and she had earlier been forced out of her Tokyo quarterfinal with a neck injury.
Timeline
Friday: Other qualifiers complete press conferences; Rybakina does not.
Saturday: Rybakina's rescheduled press session.
Sunday: WTA Finals begin with Rybakina scheduled to face Linda Noskova.
Season Trajectory
Rybakina's illness comes only days after her neck-injury withdrawal in Tokyo, extending a run of physical setbacks at the end of the season. Her availability could reshape the early bracket and the race for the year-end title.
Rybakina's status directly affects the Sunday opener and any fantasy or betting lineups tied to the WTA Finals. If she withdraws, Kostyuk would step in as the replacement.
The takeaway
Health setbacks at the end of a long season can quickly change a tournament's favorites, so readers should watch official WTA updates ahead of Sunday's matches.
What happens next
Rybakina is scheduled to face Linda Noskova in the WTA Finals opener on Sunday, which will confirm whether she is able to compete.
Further reading
Follow the latest developments in Tennis coverage from around the United States.
