Alexandrova, the second substitute, had been waiting patiently all week, and her persistence paid off on Wednesday. Keys, unable to proceed further, withdrew just hours before her scheduled match against Rybakina.
The 30-year-old, who has experienced a remarkable year of progress in 2025, was chosen after Mirra Andreeva, a fellow Russian and the primary alternate also participating in the doubles competition, declared herself unfit to compete.
Alexandrova began with promise but wasted three opportunities to break serve. She then hit a forehand wide, gifting Rybakina the first break and a 5-4 lead.
Rybakina, known for her powerful hitting and wearing tape on her serving shoulder, confidently served out the first set to love. She then secured an early break in the second set due to a backhand error from her opponent.
As Alexandrova’s serve weakened, Rybakina increased her intensity, doubling her advantage with a forceful forehand winner on break point. However, she immediately relinquished one of her breaks while serving for the match.
Her difficulty in closing out the match persisted as she was compelled to save two break points in her subsequent service game. Ultimately, she secured the victory on her second match point when Alexandrova’s backhand sailed long.
“Every victory boosts your self-assurance,” stated Rybakina, aged 26. “I hope I can keep this going.”
In the doubles event, Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens, the champions from 2022, secured their place in the semi-finals with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the Italian duo of Paolini and Sara Errani.
They will join Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko, who have already advanced from the Martina Navratilova Group.
