The dream of Karolina Muchova participating in the 2023 WTA Finals came crashing down, as she had to withdraw citing an injury to her wrist. During the latter half of the season, Muchova has been struggling with that injury and that has resulted in her, not taking part in any competitive matches after her loss in the semifinals of the US Open.
In a heartbroken message, Muchova said she “tried everything” to recover and be in readiness for the season finale in Cancun, but added that the time required to recuperate was estimated to be longer. After thanking and appreciating the support from fans, she concluded that this “unpleasant decision” was to be made, with a heavy heart.
BREAKING:
Karolina Muchova has withdrawn from the WTA Finals. Maria Sakkari will replace her in the tournament.
“I am heartbroken to announce that I will miss my first WTA Finals in Cancun.
Together with the team & doctors we tried everything till the last moments to resolve… pic.twitter.com/Uq4Im3SdXu— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 24, 2023
Greek, Maria Sakkari will now replace Karolina Muchova in the event as she finished ninth in the race to Cancun. Social media erupted as the usual Sakkari trollers had a field day with their reactions. One fan commented, “Rigged…I’m just joking, but how lucky can you be..” Another reacted, “Not Maria getting free ride again lol.” Others felt happy for Sakkari while feeling for Karolina’s plight.
Had she made it to Cancun, it would have been Karolina’s debut at the event, riding on a stellar season in which she qualified for her first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros where she was beaten by Iga Swiatek. Another notable result for her was her run to the finals at the Cincinnati Open final in August, where she lost to Coco Gauff.
How Maria Sakkari has qualified for the WTA Finals?
Though it might not have been the best way of qualifying for an event, Maria Sakkari has made it to the WTA Finals again. Sakkari had to endure a topsy-turvy season where she had to face issues concerning form and confidence. It almost convinced her to take some time off from tennis, but she stayed put and her perseverance has paid dividends.
Amazingly, Mexico has brought her luck once again as it was in the WTA Finals at Guadalajara where she made a mark for herself, a couple of years ago. Last year she made it to the finals of the Guadalajara Open, losing to Jessica Pegula, before winning it this year. No wonder, Sakkari calls Mexico, her second home and it would give her added motivation and belief to do well in Cancun.
The win at the Guadalajara Open enabled Maria to break a trophy drought of sorts and it was the biggest triumph of her career. The form she hit at the Mexican city stayed with her and it made her play solid tennis in the Asian swing. Though the WTA Finals 2023 will be played on a different court under different conditions, she won’t mind as this will be the third consecutive year for her at the event.
Participation of Ons Jabeur and Market Vondrousova who have already qualified for the event still remain uncertain amid injury concerns. Barbora Krejcikova will be next in line, should there be a need for another replacement. Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will also battle it out for the year-end World No. 1 ranking with minimal points separating the two of them.