Madison Keys’ 2025 WTA Finals marketing campaign has come to an finish after the American pulled out of her group-stage finale versus Elena Rybakina.
After dropping to Iga Swiatek, Keys additionally picked up a three-set defeat to Amanda Anisimova – fell to a 0-2 report – and misplaced her possibilities of qualifying for the Riyadh semifinal. Moments after dropping to Anisimova, the reigning Australian Open champion indicated that she was ailing and didn’t shake arms together with her rival or the umpire. That immediately led to speculations about whether or not the 30-year-old would even play in opposition to Rybakina on Wednesday.
“Actually upset to not be feeling my finest and finally having to withdraw from the event. Enormous accomplishment to make it this far and really pleased with myself for doing that and having an excellent 12 months. I hope to be again subsequent 12 months,” Keys stated in an announcement.
Keys not changed by Mirra Andreeva
Andreeva, who received her first two WTA 1000 titles earlier this 12 months, completed ninth within the Race to the WTA Finals and she or he was slated to be the primary singles alternate. However the 18-year-old is reportedly feeling unwell and she or he opted to not tackle Rybakina. As an alternative, will probably be Ekaterina Alexandrova who will tackle the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
“Rybakina is taking part in Ekaterina Alexandrova. Madison Keys sadly too ailing so isn’t capable of take to the courtroom. Alexandrova is the second alternate as a result of the primary alternate, Mirra Andreeva, who can be within the doubles, is fairly underneath the climate,” Gigi Salmon stated on Sky Sports activities.
Rybakina defeated Anisimova and Swiatek in her opening two matches. With that report, the Kazakh tennis star has already secured a semifinal spot in Riyadh.
In the meantime, 30-year-old Alexandrova will make her WTA Finals debut when she meets Rybakina in the present day.
Heading into the match, Alexandrova leads their head-to-head 3-2, however the Kazakh received their final assembly in Ningbo final month.
