Ahead of the WTA Finals 2026, the organizers made a decision that breaks one of the most recognizable rituals in women's tennis. Instead of the usual joint photoshoot of participants in evening gowns, this year will feature a series of individual portraits. According to Sport RBC.UA, citing tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina is at the center of this story, whose principled stance, he claims, led to the revision of the long-standing practice.

Change in a Decades-Old Tradition

The joint photoshoot of participants in exquisite evening wear for decades—referencing a 40-year tradition according to the primary source—has been one of the main calling cards of the WTA Finals buildup. In 2026, the organizers replaced the group photo with a series of individual portraits. The official presentation of the images is scheduled for Friday, November 6, on the WTA media platforms. Thus, a format that was considered unchanged for decades has undergone a structural modification for the first time.

WTA's Official Stance

The association's press service explains the decision as an image update. A WTA statement notes that 'the 2026 portraits will feature a new concept focused on the personality of each tennis player' and that they will 'highlight the individuality, personal style, and unique story of each participant, offering fans a fresh perspective on women's tennis stars.' Thus, the association shifts the focus from a potential conflict to a marketing task—better showcasing the charisma and style of each athlete.

Ben Rothenberg's Version

Despite the organizers' attempt to present the situation as a planned update, authoritative tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg claims that the joint photoshoot was disrupted by Elina Svitolina's principled stance. According to him, since the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian athlete has categorically refused any joint photographs and handshakes with representatives of Russia and Belarus. This, according to the journalist, made it impossible to hold the traditional group picture in its previous format.

Context: Same Group with Andreeva and Sabalenka

The tension surrounding the situation is heightened by the fact that Svitolina ended up in the same group with Russian Mirra Andreeva and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka. The Ukrainian will start her WTA Finals campaign precisely with a match against Andreeva on November 9. Combining these facts—refusing joint photos and landing in the same group with representatives of Russia and Belarus—makes the question of the reasons behind the format change particularly prominent for the public and the press.

What's Next

The outcome of the discussion regarding the reasons for the format change will become clearer after the official presentation of the portraits on November 6 on the WTA media platforms. Until then, the association's official version and journalist Rothenberg's version remain two different explanations of the same fact—the replacement of the joint picture with individual portraits. In parallel, it was previously reported about the earnings Svitolina and Kostyuk will make at the WTA Finals, which adds a financial context to the event.