Keys to be replaced by Alexandrova.
World No. 7 Madison Keys has withdrawn from the ongoing WTA Finals 2025 in Riyadh. The 30-year-old was scheduled to face Elena Rybakina in the final Group Stage encounter, but will not feature in the match. She will be replaced by second alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova, after Mirra Andreeva also opted out of Wednesday’s battle.
Keys was already eliminated from the Serena Williams Group, having lost her opening two clashes. The reigning Australian Open champion was thrashed in straight sets by Iga Swiatek on the opening day, before Amanda Anisimova’s 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory confirmed Keys’ elimination from the Riyadh showdown. On the other hand, the undefeated Rybakina is already through to the knockout stages.
It has been a roller-coaster 2025 campaign for Keys. The American powerhouse started with two titles in Adelaide and Melbourne Park, before reaching the Indian Wells semifinals. Another semifinal in Queen’s Club resulted in Keys making her Top-5 debut. Unfortunately, she has been struggling with injuries and form since then – losing in Round-1 of the US Open. Yet, she will finish the year with a record of 37 wins – her most in a single season.
Madison Keys withdrew from the WTA Finals 2025 due to a viral illness. The American has not been feeling well, and opted out of her final fixture on Wednesday against former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
After losing to Anisimova on Monday, Keys asked not to shake hands with her opponent as well as the chair umpire. She made a clear gesture and pointed towards her chest and stomach, indicating that she wasn’t feeling well. The 30-year-old is likely to have caught a bug during the course of the week. Meanwhile, first alternate Mirra Andreeva deemed herself ‘not being fit to play today.’
Keys is not the first player to complain of illness this week, as Italian superstar Jasmine Paolini is also believed to be suffering from a physical blow. The 29-year-old has been knocked out of the singles and doubles draws in Riyadh. In the absence of Keys, Ekaterina Alexandrova will face Rybakina on Wednesday. The Russian has a 3-2 record against her Kazakh opposition.
(Image Credits: Susan Mullane, Imagn Images)
