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Karolina Muchova, on Tuesday (October 24), announced her decision to withdraw from the 2023 WTA Finals owing to a wrist injury.
The Czech secured qualification to the season-ending extravaganza, set to be held in Cancun in a few days' time, after finishing at No. 8 in the Race rankings. Muchova, however, revealed that the latest prognosis on the wrist injury, which has been bothering her for some time, does not look good.
Elaborating on the "unpleasant decision", she wrote in an Instagram post that her team of doctors tried everything to ensure timely recovery, but that the injury would need more time to heal.
The Czech said the call had left her "heartbroken", but was quick to add that she was looking forward to her return to competition. She added that she was already eyeing a berth at next year's WTA Finals.
"I am heartbroken to announce that I will miss my first WTA Finals in Cancun," Karolina Muchova said. "Together with the team and doctors we tried everything till the last moments to resolve my wrist injury."
"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."
Ranked at No. 9 in WTA Race rankings for 2023 behind the Czech, Maria Sakkari is likely to replace Karolina Muchova at the WTA Finals.
A quick recap of Karolina Muchova's 2023 season
Karolina Muchova had a breakthrough season in 2023, reaching her first Grand Slam final at the French Open and breaking into the top 10 of the world rankings soon after.
After posting a series of consistent results during the first quarter of the season, the Czech made waves in Paris — beating the likes of former finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka en route to the summit clash.
Muchova pushed Iga Swiatek to the brink but came up just short in her first Major final. She played only intermittently in the weeks after the French Open but made her impact felt again in Cincinnati where she made another final. She would fall to Coco Gauff, who also beat her in the US Open semifinals.
The 27-year-old broke into the top 10 of the world rankings on September 11. She is currently ranked at a career-high of No. 8.
