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Rybakina Sweeps Group as Anisimova Reaches Semis; Keys’ Illness Brings In Alternate at WTA Finals

Sabalenka, Gauff and Pegula enter Thursday with set- and games-based paths to the last four.

Overview

  • Madison Keys withdrew with a viral illness before her final round-robin match, prompting second alternate Ekaterina Alexandrova to debut after first alternate Mirra Andreeva did not sign in due to fitness and doubles commitments.
  • Elena Rybakina defeated Alexandrova 6-4, 6-4 in Riyadh to complete a 3-0 group stage and advance as Serena Williams Group winner.
  • Amanda Anisimova beat Iga Świątek in their winner-takes-all matchup to claim the group’s runner-up spot and a place in the semifinals.
  • Tournament rules on alternates shaped Wednesday’s lineup, with per-match ranking points and prize money giving the replacement match competitive significance despite Keys’ elimination.
  • The Steffi Graf Group remains open, with qualification scenarios indicating Sabalenka advances with a Pegula win, while various two- and three-set combinations could send Gauff through depending on margins and percentage of games won.