Reigning WTA Finals champion Elena Rybakina has decided to withdraw from the World Tennis League and she will be replaced by Elina Svitolina, who is set to make her debut at the mixed team event that has been taking place since 2022.
Earlier this week, Rybakina was announced as a participant of this year's World Tennis League, which will be taking place outside the United Arab Emirates for the first time. This year, it will be staged in Bengaluru, India, between December 17-20. After her participation in Bengaluru was confirmed, the 26-year-old Kazakh said in a statement that she was "thrilled" to play in India and that she "heard so much about the Indian tennis culture."
But just a couple of days later, Rybakina pulled out of the World Tennis League. However, fortunately for the organizers, they managed to find a strong replacement in 2023 Wimbledon semifinalist and world No. 14 Elina Svitolina.
There was also one change in the men's part as Arthur Fils will be replaced by Denis Shapovalov.
The WTL announces Rybakina's withdrawal
"We’ve made changes to this season’s player lineup. Denis Shapovalov joins the draw in place of Arthur Fils, while Elina Svitolina steps in for Elena Rybakina, as both of them take some time to recover before returning to the court. We’re excited for an action-packed season," the event organizers announced.
We’ve made changes to this season’s player lineup.
Denis Shapovalov joins the draw in place of Arthur Fils, while Elina Svitolina steps in for Elena Rybakina, as both of them take some time to recover before returning to the court.
We’re excited for an action-packed season 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/F8ReM9PU5d
— World Tennis League (@TennisWorl76726) November 22, 2025
After beating Aryna Sabalenka for her maiden WTA Finals title, the Kazakh admitted that she was tired and fatigued after playing so many matches during the Asian swing and Riyadh.
