WTA Media Release, October 17, 2026
The WTA announced today Elina Svitolina has qualified for the WTA Finals Indian Wells, returning to tennis’ ultimate stage for the first time since 2019.
The Ukrainian is celebrating her fourth qualification for the prestigious season-ending event and has an excellent WTA Finals record, going undefeated to be crowned champion in 2018 followed by another run to the title match in 2019.
Svitolina is also the first mother to qualify in singles for the WTA Finals in over 15 years, and will look to emulate Kim Clijsters who triumphed at the event in 2010.
Svitolina becomes the seventh singles player to confirm their participation leaving one coveted qualification spot remaining. The 32-year-old will be joining PIF WTA World No.1 Elena Rybakina, Indian Wells and Miami champion Aryna Sabalenka, Roland-Garros winner Mirra Andreeva, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and Americans Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula in Indian Wells.
Elina Svitolina’s journey towards her first qualification in seven years was highlighted by two titles – taking her total career haul to 20 (the fifth most among active players) – by winning the WTA 1000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Rome) in addition to the WTA 250 ASB Classic in Auckland at the start of the season. She also reached a further WTA 1000 final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Svitolina’s triumph in 2018 made her one of only ten players to win the WTA Finals without losing a match (since the round robin format was re-introduced in 2003).
The WTA Finals Indian Wells features the Top 8 singles and doubles teams on the PIF Race to the WTA Finals Leaderboard (with the 8th spot going to the singles player and doubles team that have won a Grand Slam if ranked No.8 to No.20). This showcases the world’s best singles players and doubles teams competing in a round-robin format with the singles champion lifting the WTA Finals Billie Jean King Trophy and the doubles champions earning the WTA Finals Martina Navratilova Trophy. The prestigious season-ending tournament celebrates the best of the WTA on and off the court, delivering an unrivalled fan experience that blends sport, entertainment, and culture.
Tickets are available here for this year’s WTA Finals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the sport’s premier destinations and tournament locations.
