The 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh have been rocked by an unexpected mid-tournament withdrawal, as American tennis star Madison Keys has pulled out of her final group-stage match against sixth seed Elena Rybakina due to illness.
The World No. 7, who was making her first appearance at the season-ending championships since 2016, announced her decision just hours before the scheduled clash, bringing an abrupt end to her campaign at the prestigious event.
What Led to Madison Keys’ Sudden Withdrawal From the WTA Finals?
Keys entered the WTA Finals riding the momentum of a remarkable season that included a maiden Grand Slam victory at the 2025 Australian Open. Her return to the elite year-end stage was overshadowed by health concerns that first became apparent earlier in the tournament.
The warning signs surfaced during Keys’ second round-robin match against compatriot Amanda Anisimova, where she raised eyebrows for opting out of the traditional post-match handshake. After dropping the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, Keys gestured to Anisimova that she was feeling unwell, pointing toward her chest and stomach to indicate a stomach-related illness.
Her decision was a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the ailment. Anisimova appeared to understand the situation, responding with a smile and a few light-hearted words before the two players went their separate ways. Keys, visibly fatigued, skipped the handshake with the umpire as well and left the court shortly after.
MORE: Madison Keys Refuses Handshake With Amanda Anisimova After WTA Finals Loss
Tournament organizers later confirmed that the American had been dealing with an illness affecting her energy levels and overall fitness. Having already lost both her group-stage matches, first to the 2023 champion Iga Świątek and then to Anisimova, Keys was mathematically out of semifinal contention. Her withdrawal, therefore, did not affect the standings, as Rybakina had already secured her place in the semifinals.
“I’m really disappointed to not be feeling my best and ultimately having to withdraw from the tournament. It’s a huge accomplishment to make it this far and I’m very proud of myself for doing that and having a great year. I hope to be back next year,” Keys said in a statement.
Update to today’s #WTAFinals schedule:
Madison Keys has withdrawn from her match with a viral illness and has been replaced by 2nd alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova, who will play Rybakina.
1st alternate Mirra Andreeva elected not to sign in due to not being fit to play today.
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) November 5, 2025
Who Replaced Keys After Her Withdrawal in Riyadh?
Her decision prompted a shuffle in the lineup, with Ekaterina Alexandrova stepping in as a replacement. Although 18-year-old Mirra Andreeva was the first alternate and expected to play, she reportedly chose not to sign in for singles competition due to her own fitness concerns, leaving Alexandrova, the second alternate and World No. 10 in the Race to Riyadh, to take her place on court.
News of Keys’ withdrawal surfaced through official tournament updates on Wednesday, confirming that the American would not continue her participation in Riyadh. The WTA Finals’ official channels later acknowledged the lineup change, confirming Alexandrova’s inclusion in place of Keys for the final round-robin tie against Rybakina.
