WATCH: Madison Keys asks Amanda Anisimova not to shake hands at WTA Finals

Madison Keys and Amanda Anisimova's WTA Finals battle ended unexpectedly when the older American asked her compatriot not to shake hands.

Keys is known for being one of the friendliest players on the WTA or ATP Tours. She founded the Kindness Wins nonprofit in 2020, which promotes kindness to youth, to self, and to others in times of struggle.

Therefore, she would be one of the least likely players to refuse a handshake with an opponent for spiteful reasons, especially when it is another American player whom she probably knows well off the court.

Both players needed to win after being comprehensively defeated in their opening matches. Keys lost to Iga Swiatek, who she defeated in her memorable 2025 Australian Open title run, and Anisimova fell to Elena Rybakina.

The 30-year-old looked on course for victory at 6-4, 3-1 up before Anisimova launched an impressive comeback to prevail 6-4, 3-6, 2-6. Although Anisimova played well, Keys's level dramatically dipping was the most significant reason for the turnaround.

When the 2025 Wimbledon and US Open runner-up walked to the net after sealing the win, she initially looked confused when Keys put her hands into the air and began speaking before they could shake hands.

Eventually, Anisimova smiled and nodded in understanding as Keys walked away from her. The Australian Open champion also did not shake hands with the umpire, but still thanked the official before packing her bag.

Keys almost certainly told Anisimova that she was not feeling well and did not want to potentially pass symptoms with a handshake. She also had no issues with the umpire during the match, making it the most likely reason for her also excusing herself from that handshake.

It would be a natural extension of Keys' kind demeanor. Despite the disappointment of being unable to qualify for the semifinal after the defeat, she still thought about not potentially getting Anisimova sick.

Keys might benefit from some time off during the off-season. She has struggled for form since her memorable triumph in Melbourne, and could be a force to be reckoned with after switching off for a while.

In the opening match on Monday, Elena Rybakina produced an even more stunning comeback against Iga Swiatek. The 2022 Wimbledon winner left this year's champion at SW19 stunned after a 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 win.

With that triumph, Rybakina booked her place in the semifinals. With one victory each so far, the winner of Anisimova and Swiatek's match on Wednesday will confirm their semifinal spot.

Swiatek infamously beat Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final. The world No. 4 was utterly overwhelmed by the occasion and also looked tired after winning some epic matches to reach that stage.

A few weeks later, Anisimova produced a completely different performance against Swiatek in the US Open, overcoming the six-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 6-3. Predicting who will triumph in their WTA Finals meeting on Wednesday is challenging.