Madison Keys did not shake hands with
Amanda Anisimova after the two-time Grand Slam runner-up secured the victory in the
WTA Finals. In the second match of the Serena Williams Group, Anisimova took the win with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, eliminating Keys after consecutive losses to Rybakina and Anisimova.
At the conclusion of the match, the 2025 Australian Open champion requested not to shake hands with Anisimova. According to preliminary reports—such as from journalist José Morgado—Keys is apparently dealing with a virus that has left her feeling unwell, and she chose to forgo the handshake with her opponent to avoid contagion.
Anisimova appeared to laugh it off, with both players instead returning to the side of the court after a brief conversation across the net. Keys also chose not to shake hands with the umpire. "I feel like every time I come out here my opponent is playing crazy tennis," Anismova said after the match. "Today Madi was playing so well.. Just happy with how I was able to turn it around & turn that frown upside down”
In the event that Keys withdraws before her third group match (against Iga Swiatek), the first alternate, Mirra Andreeva—World No. 9—will take the court as her replacement.