The Women’s Tennis Association was forced to scrap its traditional group photoshoot ahead of the 2026 Finals on Friday, after Elina Svitolina refused to take part alongside her rivals.
The eight tennis stars set to feature in the Indian Wells showdown posed for individual photos in a new feature the association has branded Courtside Couture – in what they say allows players to show off their individuality and fashion.
But reports suggest that the change from the traditional group photograph to individual portraits stems in part from Svitolina’s refusal to be pictured with Mirra Andreeva and Aryna Sabalenka, with her rivals hailing from Russia and Belarus respectively.
Svitolina, who has also refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian athletes since Vladimir Putin invaded her homeland, is set to face Andreeva and Sabalenka in the competition’s group phase.
The 32-year-old made headlines last month after announcing her split from tennis husband Gael Monfils, citing distress from the four-year conflict as a leading cause of her marriage breakdown.
‘This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to share. Everyone knows how much Ukraine means to me. What I have rarely spoken about is what the war has done to me inside,’ the world No 6 wrote on social media.
Elina Svitolina (left) has refused to pose alongside Aryna Sabalenka (right) and Mirra Andreeva
The world’s best players are facing off in a showdown at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells
Ukraine’s Svitolina is set to face Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva in the WTA Finals
‘Gael saw all of it. He never let go of my hand. We fought through this together for a long time, with everything we had. But some battles happen deep inside you, and no amount of love from someone else can win them for you.
‘Please know that there is no one to blame here. There are only two people who loved each other deeply and a story that is changing shape.’
Svitolina, who married Monfils in July 2021 and shares a four-year-old daughter with him, stressed that their child will remain their top priority as they navigate their separation.
‘Skai will always come first,’ she continued. ‘Our marriage is ending, but our family is not. We will always be her parents, side by side, at every step of her life.’
As part of her Instagram post, Svitolina shared a black and white picture of her and Monfils embracing solemnly, showing unity and togetherness despite ultimately deciding to go their separate ways.
Svitolina cut short her 2025 season due to psychological fatigue and exhaustion, expressing in an Instagram statement last year that she was ‘not in the right emotional space’ to continue and needed to ‘heal and recharge’.
Her statement led to backlash from tennis fans, with a heartbroken Monfils cutting short his playing career earlier than his intended retirement date.
The 40-year-old Frenchman launched a staunch defence of his soon-to-be ex-wife, hitting back at his critics on Instagram: ‘Even though she did not owe anyone an explanation, Elina chose to speak vulnerably and truthfully about her reasons for this decision.
‘She did so in the best way she knew how. Many decided that her explanation wasn’t perfect enough and Elina has now faced a kind of criticism that I have found unkind at best and venomous at worst.
Svitolina announced her split from tennis star husband Gael Monfils last month
‘Elina and I may no longer be a couple, but we are still a family. Though my heart hurts, I am forever grateful to her for her support and love over the years.
‘While I am deeply grateful that the public feels so invested in my happiness, I have found the lack of grace and kindness shown towards Elina upsetting.
‘While some may not understand her reasons, or agree with them, please remember that there is so much more that happens in a relationship behind the curtain that cannot be explained in a post.
‘Elina has her battles to fight, just as I have mine. I respect her choices and reasons, and we will continue to support and care deeply about each other, especially as two people who share a child.’
