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Tennis
Elena Rybakina has officially pulled out of the WTA Finals, saying her body is not physically prepared to compete. Her absence hands Aryna Sabalenka a clear shot at the title - and a chance to close the rankings gap.
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Elena Rybakina has confirmed she will not take part in this year's WTA Finals, admitting her body simply isn't ready for the demands of the season-ending showpiece. The world No 1 described the decision as a painful one, acknowledging the prestige of the event while conceding that pushing through would be unwise.
Rather than risk further damage, Rybakina intends to head home and dedicate the coming weeks to rest and recovery ahead of the 2027 campaign. It's a sensible if frustrating choice - and one that underlines the brutal physical toll of modern professional tennis.
For Aryna Sabalenka, this is a golden chance. The world No 2 admitted she was surprised by Rybakina's withdrawal but expressed understanding given the gruelling nature of the season. A maiden WTA Finals title now looks firmly within reach.
The gap between Rybakina and Sabalenka currently stands at 1,614 points. With Rybakina absent, Sabalenka has a genuine opportunity to eat into that deficit - and potentially reclaim the top ranking with a strong run in the tournament.
The Professional Tennis Players Association has also raised concerns about player fatigue in the wake of the withdrawal, pressing for broader discussions about scheduling pressures across the tour.
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Copyright 2026 VIASPORT
Eva Hernández, Editor-in-Chief
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