Kostyuk, who needed to reach the final in Ningbo to keep her own qualification hopes alive, was forced to withdraw from the tournament after dropping the opening set 6-4 to Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Ukrainian player required a medical timeout before deciding she could not continue, a development that mathematically eliminated her from contention and guaranteed Muchova’s entry into the field.
A landmark season for Muchova
The qualification marks a significant achievement in a standout 2026 campaign for Muchova. Her season has been defined by a deep run to the Wimbledon final, where she faced Linda Noskova, and a successful partnership with Noskova that saw the pair secure the Billie Jean King Cup for the Czech Republic.
Muchova joins a high-profile lineup for the WTA Finals, which are scheduled to take place from November 8-15 in Indian Wells, California. The field also features Elena Rybakina, Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, and Linda Noskova. Iga Swiatek had also been in the running for the final spot, but her withdrawal from the Ningbo event due to a thigh injury, coupled with her decision to end her season early, removed her from the race.
Action continues in Ningbo
Following her advancement via retirement, Ekaterina Alexandrova is set to face Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals. Fernandez earned her spot in the next round after a hard-fought victory against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, finishing 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3. This win marks the Canadian's 11th victory in her last 14 matches.
Elsewhere in the draw, Sara Bejlek produced an upset by defeating the eighth-seeded Sorana Cirstea in straight sets, 7-6 (3), 6-4. Bejlek will now face compatriot Marie Bouzkova in an all-Czech quarterfinal clash, after Bouzkova secured a 7-5, 6-2 win over Anastasia Zakharova on Wednesday.
