Key Takeaways
- Marta Kostyuk retired trailing 6-4 against Ekaterina Alexandrova after taking a medical timeout for an apparent wrist issue in Ningbo.
- Kostyuk was the only remaining contender capable of surpassing Karolina Muchova for the final WTA Finals spot.
- Muchova joins Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, Elina Svitolina, and Linda Noskova in the finalized field.
Injury halts Ukrainian’s campaign and completes season-ending tournament lineup
Marta Kostyuk has stopped playing mid-match during her opening contest at the Ningbo Open, officially ending her bid to directly qualify for the WTA Finals. The third seed, who received an opening-round bye at the WTA 500 event, faced world No. 33 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 16.
Alexandrova gained an advantage immediately by securing a service break in the opening game. Across the subsequent eight games, neither competitor faced a break point, allowing the Russian to establish a 5-4 advantage. Prior to Alexandrova serving for the set, Kostyuk requested a medical timeout to evaluate what seemed to be a wrist problem. Alexandrova subsequently served out the frame to claim it 6-4, after which Kostyuk withdrew from the contest.
Qualification secured for Karolina Muchova
Following Iga Swiatek’s withdrawal from the Ningbo tournament, Kostyuk had been the solitary competitor capable of surpassing Karolina Muchova for the remaining direct qualification position. Kostyuk’s mid-match retirement officially confirms Muchova as the final qualifier.
The complete group of competitors set for the WTA Finals includes:
- Karolina Muchova
- Elena Rybakina
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Jessica Pegula
- Coco Gauff
- Mirra Andreeva
- Elina Svitolina
- Linda Noskova
Persistent wrist trouble for Kostyuk
Physical problems have hampered Kostyuk in recent months. The Ukrainian had previously contended with a wrist issue during the North American hard-court swing. The lingering physical setback also prevented her from participating in Beijing before resurfacing during her brief run in Ningbo.
With her victory, Alexandrova advances to the Ningbo quarterfinals, where she is scheduled to play Leylah Fernandez.
Marta Kostyuk in 2026
Ranked world no.10 (career-high), the Ukrainian played her last match on the 21st of October when she had to retire when playing against world no.33 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the 2nd round and the scoreline was 6-4 .
This season the Ukrainian has a composed 36-13 match record. Marta has won 2 titles in 2026 in Rouen and Madrid.
