American tennis star Madison Keys raised eyebrows at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh when she chose not to shake hands with compatriot Amanda Anisimova after their group-stage clash. Following Anisimova’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 comeback victory, Keys signaled across the net that she wasn’t feeling well, explaining through gestures that illness was behind her decision to skip the traditional post-match handshake.
Why Did Madison Keys Skip the Post-Match Handshake With Amanda Anisimova at the WTA Finals?
The unusual moment came during Keys’ second round-robin match, where the American was looking to bounce back from an earlier defeat to 2023 champion Iga Świątek. Instead, she struggled physically as Anisimova battled her way to the win.
The gesture immediately caught viewers’ attention, as Keys pointed toward her chest and stomach to indicate she was unwell. It wasn’t an act of poor sportsmanship, but rather an attempt to prevent the spread of illness.
Anisimova, appearing to understand the situation, responded with good humor. She laughed softly and exchanged a few words with Keys before both players returned to their benches. Keys, who also refrained from shaking hands with the chair umpire, looked visibly fatigued as she exited the court.
Flipping the script ⏪@AnisimovaAmanda fights back to defeat Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. #WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/7xjqmgHQcj
— wta (@WTA) November 3, 2025
The 2025 Australian Open champion has been dealing with what appeared to be a stomach-related ailment, and her performance reflected that discomfort. According to tournament updates, Keys’ losses to Świątek and Anisimova have officially eliminated her from semifinal contention, while Elena Rybakina has already secured her spot as the group winner.
Keys Reveals What She Admires Most About Anisimova
Keys, who shares the same group as Anisimova at the WTA Finals, praised her compatriot during her pre-tournament press conference, saying, “I think the biggest thing I’ve been most impressed with this whole year of hers, her entire comeback, is the way that she handled the Wimbledon final. I thought she did it with such grace, she handled it so well.”
“I know being in that position, it’s such a heartbreaking situation. I thought the way she carried herself through it with such grace, I was incredibly impressed by,” she added.
Anisimova is savoring her debut appearance at the WTA Finals after a season that signaled a full-scale comeback on the tour. The 24-year-old compiled an impressive campaign, earning a 45-16 record and collecting over $6.2 million in prize money.
Her standout season included capturing her first WTA 1000 crown at the Qatar Open, another title at the China Open, and a breakthrough run to her maiden Wimbledon final, where she was defeated by Świątek in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0. Anisimova also reached her second career Grand Slam final at the US Open, falling short against top seed Aryna Sabalenka, 3-6, 6(3)-7.