Karolina Muchova Withdraws From WTA Finals With Gastrointestinal Illness

Karolina Muchova withdrew from the season-ending championships on Friday, replaced by second alternate Diana Shnaider for a round-robin match against Mirra Andreeva.

Karolina Muchova withdrew from the WTA Finals on Friday due to a gastrointestinal illness, according to the Associated Press. The 30-year-old Wimbledon finalist had already lost her first two matches and was mathematically eliminated from semifinal contention before her scheduled round-robin finale against Mirra Andreeva. Second alternate Diana Shnaider of Russia entered the draw to make her singles debut at the $10 million event in Indian Wells, California.

Shnaider, who previously competed in the tournament's doubles bracket last year, receives a $220,000 participation fee. A victory over Andreeva would earn her an additional $230,000 and 200 WTA Tour ranking points. Muchova is the second player to exit the tournament; top-ranked Elena Rybakina withdrew prior to the start of play last Sunday citing exhaustion and a viral illness. This marks the first time since 2019 that both singles alternates have been utilized in the round-robin stage.

In Group 1, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and American Jessica Pegula have secured spots in Saturday’s semifinals, while alternate Marta Kostyuk finished 0-3. Andreeva has already clinched the top spot in Group 2 with a 2-0 record. The final semifinal berth will be determined by the match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.