Karolina Muchova forced to make 'unpleasant decision' to pull out from WTA Finals

Originally posted on Tennisbuzz | By Matthew Johns | Last updated 10/24/23

Karolina Muchova has withdrawn from her debut WTA Finals, with a wrist injury preventing the Czech from competing.

Muchova has had her best season to date in 2023, having reached the finals of both Roland Garros and the Cincinnati Masters, and most recently reached the semi-finals of the US Open.

Despite this, the 27-year-old had not competed since achieving her best result in New York and has now revealed the reason why.

“I am heartbroken to announce that I will miss my first WTA Finals,” said Muchova on social media. “Together with the team and doctors we tried everything till the last moments to resolve my wrist injury."

She continued, "Unfortunately, the time needed for the recovery is longer than we would’ve hoped for and therefore I had to make this unpleasant decision.

"I greatly appreciate the support of all the fans. I will do my best to be back in 2024 and get another chance to be part of the @wtafinals."

It is not the first time that Muchova has suffered injury setbacks, having only played 19 matches last year and dropping to as low as No.235 in the WTA rankings.

However, the timing of this latest injury feels more poignant with the WTA Finals in Cancun just around the corner.

With the announcement of Muchova's withdrawal, it confirms that alternate Maria Sakkari will take her place and qualify for the year-end tournament for a third consecutive season.

Sakkari will join Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Ons Jabeur and Marketa Vondrousova, with the WTA Finals beginning on Sunday October 29.

This article first appeared on Tennisbuzz and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: