Marta Kostyuk unfazed by WTA Finals defeat as she celebrates return to fitness

The Ukrainian was handed an opportunity after Elena Rybakina withdrew on Saturday, just 24 hours before the event began, because of illness.

Kostyuk, who finished 10th in the WTA Race, had become the first alternate after Iga Swiatek opted against travelling to Indian Wells as an alternate.

However, the 24-year-old was unable to mark her first appearance with a victory, suffering a 6-2, 6-4 defeat against Linda Noskova on Sunday.

Kostyuk had endured a difficult period leading into the tournament, having developed a right wrist problem during the North American hard-court swing.

After losing to Noskova in the US Open round of 16, she went on to suffer three successive defeats in Guadalajara, Wuhan and Ningbo.

Despite another setback against the Czech player, the reigning Madrid champion was more concerned with her physical condition than the result.

"I wasn't expecting to start the tournament from the first match. I wasn't expecting to play at all, if I'm honest," Kostyuk admitted after losing to Noskova.

"I think this is the most important thing for me right now. I'm happy to be back on court. It's the end of the year. I'm happy to be here, ending the year strong." 

READ MORE: WTA Finals: Sabalenka battles past Muchova as Andreeva thrashes Svitolina