On Monday, Madison Keys battled hard against Amanda Anisimova in her second WTA Finals match. But after a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss in just under two hours, it wasn’t the scoreline that stole attention. Instead, it was a special request the World No. 7 made afterward.

Journalist Jose Morgado reported on X: “Keys asks to not handshake Anisimova. She probably got some sort of virus. Won’t be surprising to see Andreeva play the dead rubber vs. Rybakina in two days…”

As per reports, Keys was dealing with an illness and didn’t want to risk passing it on, even gesturing toward her chest and stomach. Anisimova seemed to brush the moment off with a laugh, and after a quick chat at the net, both players simply walked back to their sides. Even the commentator confirmed it: “No hand shaken. I think Keys said she didn’t feel well.”

Keys, meanwhile, also skipped the usual post-match handshake with the umpire. There is a possibility that she might withdraw ahead of her match against Elena Rybakina. If that happens, world No. 9 Mirra Andreeva is the first alternate to take on Rybakina.

Regardless, all’s well that ends well. Keys had been supportive of Anisimova before their clash. She opened up about her own struggles with her resurgence at major tournaments this year, and at her pre-tournament press conference, couldn’t help but praise the poise and dignity Anisimova has shown.

“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,” Keys said.

The two have always maintained mutual respect. This match marked their first meeting, and while Anisimova walked away the victor, she had nothing but praise for the 30-year-old pro.

Amanda Anisimova speaks about sharing the court with Madison Keys

In their first-ever high-stakes clash, the fight was intense right from the start. Keys took the opening set, but the 24-year-old Anisimova staged a stunning comeback in the second and sealed it in the third. After the match, the latter had to tip her hat to the 2025 Australian Open champ.

When asked about her turnaround, she said, “Yeah, I feel like every time I come out here, my opponent’s like playing some crazy tennis. So, yeah, it’s been a difficult few matches and today for sure Maddie was playing so well. It was quite a battle out there and yeah, just really happy with the way I was able to turn around in the second set.”

But for Anisimova, this clash also gave flashbacks from her match against Rybakina. She broke serve early but struggled against Keys in the first four games, after which no one managed to hold serve. Then Keys’ consistency shone through, winning 73 percent of first serve points, helping her clinch the first set.

With a second break-to-hold, Madison Keys seemed in control, while Anisimova let frustration show on court. Yet, after trailing 1-3, she marked six winners and five straight game wins turned the tables.

In the final set, Keys tried to halt the momentum, but two breaks in three games put her under pressure. Anisimova served strongly and minimized errors. On her second match point, a fierce serve ended it, delivering a hard-fought victory.

Now, Amanda’s semifinal fate hinges on the next match against 2023 WTA Finals champ Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, Keys will hopefully play against Rybakina, who already secured her semifinals spot after wins over the Pole and Anisimova. Who will make the most of their last group match? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.