Ekaterina Alexandrova has stepped in to substitute for Madison Keys after Andreeva, who holds world No 9, chose not to sign in due to lacking fitness to play in today's matches, according to the Women's Tennis Association.
Recent reports have highlighted concerns about how competitors are being let down by the tournament organizers.
Greetings to another day at the WTA Finals. While all contests offer thrilling action, the primary attraction showcases Iga Swiatek facing off with 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 just weeks later, defeating her opponent in convincing fashion during the US Open quarter-finals.
This crucial encounter marks the final installment of their ongoing battle, with the victorious player progressing to the semi-finals in the Saudi Arabian capital.
Before that contest, Elena Rybakina will compete against Alexandrova instead of the originally scheduled opponent. Keys withdrew due to health issues in what constitutes a meaningless match, allowing the tenth-ranked player to step in. Rybakina aims to maintain her unbeaten streak, having already beaten both Swiatek and Anisimova to secure her last-four spot.
Mira is a tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their societal impacts.