Shnaider replaces Muchova at WTA Finals in Indian Wells
Karolina Muchova has withdrawn from her 2026 FAGE WTA Finals group-stage finale with a gastrointestinal illness, according to WTA.
Diana Shnaider, the second alternate, will replace Muchova to face No. 3 Mirra Andreeva to begin play on Friday at Indian Wells.
"Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from today's match due to gastrointestinal issues," Muchova said in a statement. "It's not how I wanted to end my season, but there's a lot to be proud of and I'm already looking forward to next year."
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, according to the Associated Press.
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.
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.
