Concerns rise as Elena Rybakina’s WTA Finals press conference is pushed back to Saturday

All WTA Finals tennis players were scheduled to have their press conferences on Friday at Indian Wells. Those press conferences went off without a hitch except for Elena Rybakina‘s.

The reigning WTA World No. 1, who will finish the season holding that ranking, had her press conference pushed to Saturday due to illness. Rybakina struggled with her health since taking over the World No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open.

Allergies, the residual issues with the foot injury, and a neck injury at last week’s Japan Open have caused Rybakina problems. Fans are worried that she will not be able to compete at the WTA Finals. The defending champion is set to play Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Sunday.

MORE: At Ningbo Open, defending champion Elena Rybakina talks about newest addition to her team

Marta Kostyuk is the alternate

Should Rybakina not be able to play, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk will step into her spot.

Kostyuk has also struggled with her own injuries throughout the year. She managed to have achieve career-best results in the process.

MORE: After China Open loss, Elena Rybakina is subject of unnecessary internet criticism

Rybakina spotted in WTA Finals photos, video

The WTA Finals photos were taken on Wednesday but released on Friday. This year, individual photos were taken in lieu of the iconic group photo.

Elena Rybakina’s 2026 WTA Finals portrait.

🖤 https://t.co/cb6lKy2x8f

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 6, 2026

Aryna Sabalenka x Elena Rybakina x Coco Gauff 💃

(via Aryna’s IG) https://t.co/kjsvKFIS7C

— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) November 6, 2026

The behind-the-scenes videos were much better, and Rybakina appeared in one with Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka.

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