Tennis world number one Rybakina withdraws from WTA Finals due to virus

Defending champion and world number one Elena Rybakina has withdrawn from the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, with organisers citing a viral illness and the need to recover after a demanding season. The Kazakh was unable to regain her fitness in time after late-season physical problems and withdrew from the Tokyo quarterfinals last month with a neck injury. Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk will replace her in the eight-player field. Tournament director Garbiñe Muguruza said Rybakina should play only when she is ready.