The WTA Finals will take place at the end of October, but for a trio of players, their run towards Cancun isn't going to be easy even if they make it with Ons Jabeur, Marketa Vondrousova and Karolina Muchova all nursing injuries This could yet benefit Maria Sakkari in particular, the Greek has just missed out and will head to Cancun likely as an alternate in case one of those involved either withdraws before or during the tournament.
Jabeur is the latest to add to the list of concerns. The Tunisian withdrew from the Zhengzhou Open due to problems with her knee as she said that her knee wouldn't let her continue.
This in principle could yet be a precaution, but in that case, she likely would've gone down the route of other players and not played until Cancun. She was also due to play at the Jasmin Open Monastir next week but has since withdrawn from her trip home likely due to similar injury concerns.
Czech stars continue to struggle, Sakkari and Keys potential stand ins
The two top Czech stars though have emerged as more of a concern, with the likelihood being that Sakkari will deputise for one of those instead. Karolina Muchova has not played since the US Open and despite heading to the Zhengzhou Open where ironically she filmed the video with Vondrousova and Jabeur about going to Cancun, she has continued to have right wrist issues.
Marketa Vondrousova has played more recently at the China Open, but withdrew from Zhengzhou due to a left elbow injury and will have a race against time to cap off a return season in winning Wimbledon with a first WTA Finals run. She struggled to serve against Anhelina Kalinina.
Madison Keys is the other alternate who would also be involved if two players then withdrew. One to keep an eye on ahead of October 29.