Madison Keys 2025 WTA Finals campaign has come to an end after the American pulled out of her group-stage finale versus Elena Rybakina.
After losing to Iga Swiatek, Keys also picked up a three-set defeat to Amanda Anisimova - fell to a 0-2 record - and lost her chances of qualifying for the Riyadh semifinal. Moments after losing to Anisimova, the reigning Australian Open champion indicated that she was ill and didnt shake hands with her rival or the umpire. That instantly led to speculations about whether the 30-year-old would even play against Rybakina on Wednesday.
Really disappointed to not be feeling my best and ultimately having to withdraw from the tournament. Huge accomplishment to make it this far and very proud of myself for doing that and having a great year. I hope to be back next year, Keys said in a statement.
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Keys not replaced by Mirra Andreeva
Andreeva, who won her first two WTA 1000 titles earlier this year, finished ninth in the Race to the WTA Finals and she was slated to be the first singles alternate. But the 18-year-old is reportedly feeling unwell and she opted not to take on Rybakina. Instead, it will be Ekaterina Alexandrova who will take on the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
Rybakina is playing Ekaterina Alexandrova. Madison Keys unfortunately too ill so isnt able to take to the court. Alexandrova is the second alternate because the first alternate, Mirra Andreeva, who is also in the doubles, is pretty under the weather, Gigi Salmon said on Sky Sports.
Rybakina defeated Anisimova and Swiatek in her opening two matches. With that record, the Kazakh tennis star has already secured a semifinal spot in Riyadh.
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Meanwhile, 30-year-old Alexandrova will make her WTA Finals debut when she meets Rybakina today.
Heading into the match, Alexandrova leads their head-to-head 3-2, but the Kazakh won their last meeting in Ningbo last month.
