Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has qualified for the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells. Svitolina is the 2018 WTA Finals champion. She has not played the event since the Russian-Ukrainian war began in 2022.
Svitolina and other Ukrainian players do not shake hands after matches with Belarusian and Russian players because of the ongoing Ukrainian war.
That could pose a problem because Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and Russian Mirra Andreeva have also qualified for this year’s WTA Finals, an invite-only event featuring eight players. This is the fifth biggest event of the season in terms of importance, behind the four Grand Slams. However, the small field means the players are often together for events and photo opportunities.
MORE: Who benefits from WTA Finals moving to Indian Wells
Photo and appearance opportunites could be awkward
The singles players qualified for the WTA Finals are: Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Linda Noskova, Svitolina, and Andreeva.
Svitolina’s compatriot Marta Kostyuk is still in the running for the final spot; it will be between her and Karolina Muchova. Perhaps if Kostyuk is there, it will make it easier for Svitolina.
At a minimum, the WTA will likely separate Svitolina from Sabalenka and Andreeva for the iconic, annual photo.
MORE: WTA Finals will move to Charlotte in 2027
No Ukrainians in the WTA Finals doubles field
Svitolina cannot take comfort in any Ukrainian players in the doubles field.
Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova and Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani are the only two doubles teams qualified. None of the remaining teams in the running has a Ukrainian player on it.
The WTA Finals are November 8-16, 2026.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —