Muchova withdraws from WTA Finals; Shnaider replaces her vs. Andreeva

CALIFORNIA: 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.