Alarm at the WTA Finals: Kostyuk ready in case Rybakina cannot play

Elena Rybakina has raised alarms at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells just a few hours before the tournament begins. The reigning champion was unable to attend her media commitments on Saturday due to an illness, a absence that has sparked some concern.

The Kazakh tennis player is set to play her first match on Sunday, so she still has some time to recover. The news comes at a particularly important moment for Rybakina, who approaches this edition as one of the top favorites after an outstanding season. Additionally, the world number one wants to defend the title she won last year and end the season with another commanding performance.

Some news of sorts from #WTA Finals. Defending champ Elena Rybakina did not make her media day responsibilities today due to an illness. She doesn't play until Sunday ... BUT if she were not able to compete, Marta Kostyuk is here as an alternate and would step in. @ukrtennis_eng

— Shad Powers (@shad_powers) November 6, 2026

For now, there is no confirmation that she will withdraw from participating, but her physical condition will be one of the matters to closely monitor in the coming hours. Keeping fingers crossed that it's just a scare, this wouldn't be the first time Rybakina raises doubts about her physical state.

Kostyuk, awaiting a possible opportunity

Meanwhile, the organization is already prepared with an alternative in case the Kazakh is not able to compete. Marta Kostyuk is in Indian Wells as an alternate player and would be responsible for stepping into her place if a withdrawal occurs. The Ukrainian is waiting for developments, aware that she could receive an unexpected opportunity to compete in one of the most exclusive tournaments on the women's calendar.

For now, the desire of all parties is for Rybakina to recover in time and begin the defense of her title normally. Her absence from Media Day does not mean she is ruled out, but it does introduce a first uncertainty in a WTA Finals that have yet to begin.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alarma en las WTA Finals: Kostyuk, preparada por si Rybakina no puede jugar