Ekaterina Alexandrova has stepped in to substitute for Keys following Mirra Andreeva, who holds the ninth-ranked player, chose not to sign in due to lacking fitness to play in today's matches, according to the WTA.
Recent coverage have highlighted issues about how competitors are facing challenges by the WTA.
Welcome to the latest installment at the WTA Finals. Although all contests offer thrilling action, the primary attraction showcases Iga Swiatek competing against Anisimova.
Their last meeting at the Wimbledon Championships earlier this season proved extremely lopsided, with Swiatek securing a commanding double bagel win. However, the American player made an impressive recovery shortly after, defeating her opponent in straight sets during the New York tournament.
Today's match represents the third chapter of their ongoing battle, with the victorious player progressing to the next round in the Saudi Arabian capital.
Before that contest, Elena Rybakina will compete against Alexandrova replacing the originally scheduled opponent. Keys withdrew due to illness in what constitutes a dead rubber, allowing the tenth-ranked player to step in. The Kazakh star aims to maintain her unbeaten record, having previously defeated both Swiatek and the American contender to secure her semi-final position.
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