Kim Clijsters makes comment about Elena Rybakina’s health as she withdraws from the WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina withdrew from the WTA finals on the eve of the tournament.

The defending champion wasn’t fit to defend her crown this year. Rybakina pulled out of the WTA Finals due to a medical issue, 12 months on from her title-clinching victory over Aryna Sabalenka in Saudi Arabia.

Three-time WTA Finals champion, Kim Clijsters, has now delivered her verdict on Rybakina’s withdrawal, commenting on the Kazakhstani’s health as she finishes her 2026 season early.

Kim Clijsters has noticed Elena Rybakina looking ‘exhausted’ during the last few months

“I can attest. I saw her behind the scenes, if you can look not well, she looked like she was just not feeling well at all. Many of you saw the clip that, in my opinion, was really unfortunately posted from Canal Plus, where she tried to do media day, sat down, and really didn’t make it through the first question. If there was any doubt that she was absolutely feeling it prior to this event, I think all you have to do is look at that clip. We certainly wish her the best; disappointing for the tournament,” said Blair Henley during the latest episode of the ‘Love All‘ podcast.

“I also saw the video clip where she was ready to do the interview, and you could just tell that she’s not feeling well. You don’t go to an event when you’re sick; you try to go and feel that you’re healthy and ready to start competing. It’s a very unfortunate situation that she had to withdraw,” added Clijsters.

“But I’ve seen her over the past few months at times, where she’s kind of looked almost very exhausted, and I feel for her. There is a lot that is coming at her, she’s playing a lot of matches, which is already a big stressor for your body and your system overall, but add, maybe some sleep issues that she’s having…

“Which obviously is a huge part of recovery for a tennis player to deal with jet lag, and you have to be able to almost know when you take your nap and be like a robot with it, so scheduled, it’s a lot harder.”

Rybakina struggled with health issues earlier in her career and developed a reputation for pulling out of events. Enjoying the best year of her career in 2026, Rybakina seemed to have moved past that, but her latest withdrawal is certainly a concern.

The Kazakhstani star, who recently became world number one for the first time, is guaranteed to finish 2026 at the top of the world rankings, although by missing the WTA Finals, others could close the gap significantly.

Weeks at number one (Active WTA players)

• 1. Serena Williams – 319 weeks

• 2. Iga Swiatek – 125 weeks

• 3. Aryna Sabalenka – 107 weeks

• 4. Naomi Osaka – 25 weeks

• 5. Venus Williams – 11 weeks

• 6. Elena Rybakina – 9 weeks

• 7. Karolina Pliskova – 8 weeks

Aryna Sabalenka could begin 2027 ranked 114 points behind Elena Rybakina

If Sabalenka wins her next group-stage game and takes the title in Indian Wells, she will move to within 114 points of the world number one, Rybakina. Similarly, Mirra Andreeva can close the gap to 293 points if she does the same.

Live WTA Rankings

Live WTA Rankings

Rybakina won the Australian Open this year, so will have another 2,000 points to defend in January. With that in mind, if she fails to retain her title in 2027, she will likely surrender the number-one ranking to Sabalenka or Andreeva, especially if either player wins the WTA Finals this month.

Andreeva and Sabalenka both won their opening matches at the WTA Finals in straight sets and sit first and second, respectively, in Group 2. They will play each other on Wednesday, November 11.

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