Muchova withdraws from WTA Finals; Shnaider replaces her vs. Andreeva
Marta Kostyuk, of Ukraine, returns the ball to Linda Noskova, of the Czech Republic, during the fourth round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, in New York. Credit: AP/Seth Wenig
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Karolina Muchova withdrew from the WTA Finals on Friday with a gastrointestinal illness.
The 30-year-old from the Czech Republic had been scheduled to play Mirra Andreeva on the last day of round-robin play in the season-ending championships.
Instead, second alternate Diana Shnaider of Russia stepped in to make her Finals debut in singles after qualifying in doubles last year with countrywoman Andreeva. They went 0-3 in round-robin play a year ago.
Muchova, a Wimbledon finalist this year, already lost her first two matches and could not have advanced to the semifinals even if she had played Friday.
Shnaider, however, had plenty of incentive. A victory over Andreeva would be worth $230,000 and 200 WTA Tour rankings points. She's also receiving a $220,000 participant fee.
Muchova is the second withdrawal of the eight-day, $10 million event at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Top-ranked Elena Rybakina dropped out before the tournament began last Sunday, citing a viral illness and exhaustion.
It's the first time since 2019 that both singles alternates are competing in the round-robin stage. Marta Kostyuk replaced Rybakina and she went 0-3 in Group 1 play.
Advancing to Saturday's semifinals from Group 1 are Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and American Jessica Pegula.
Andreeva already won Group 2 with a 2-0 match record regardless of Friday's result. The second spot will be decided by the result of a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.
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