Elena Rybakina’s decision to skip the WTA Finals will cost her a big amount, especially with prize money down by 35%.
Elena Rybakina’s decision to withdraw from the WTA Finals due to a viral illness has come with a big financial hit—even though the prize money has dropped by 35% since 2025.
In 2026, Rybakina had a fantastic year, winning two Grand Slams—the Australian and US Opens—and claiming the world No. 1 spot in October, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top. But just before the WTA Finals, the 27-year-old had to pull out of the event, which means missing out on some serious prize money.
She won the WTA Finals back in 2025 and set a record as the richest champion in the tournament’s history. This year, the total prize fund dropped to $10 million from $15.5 million last year. Still, by skipping the event, Rybakina lost at least $220,000 just for participating in the round-robin stage.
As the reigning champion and No. 1 player, she was expected to do very well. Each round-robin win would have earned her an extra $230,000, which could have added up to nearly $1 million for that stage alone. Winning the semi-final and final would have brought in $820,000 and $1.64 million respectively, meaning she could’ve taken home about $3.37 million if undefeated.
The WTA Finals prize money has changed a lot over recent years. In 2024, the total jumped from $9 million to $15.25 million, almost a 70% increase. In 2025, it rose another $250,000. That year, Rybakina earned nearly $5.25 million after going undefeated—more than the male champion Jannik Sinner made.
But in 2026, the men’s event in Turin will offer higher pay than the women’s, something Taylor Fritz knows well after missing out on huge earnings by not qualifying for the Finals against Carlos Alcaraz.
Rybakina won the Finals in Riyadh, where the financial rewards of Saudi-hosted sports events helped push the prize pot so high.
After pulling out, Rybakina said, “I’m really sad to tell my fans that I have to withdraw from the WTA Finals this year. I’ve had an amazing season, but my body isn’t ready to compete right now. I’m going to take time to rest and recover so I can be ready for 2027.”
She also mentioned she won’t defend her title at Indian Wells, focusing on getting healthy for the new season.