Madison Keys reaches Eastbourne final after rivals retire injured

Madison Keys booked her spot in the Eastbourne final on Friday without needing to play her semifinal after Petra Marcinko retired injured.

What happened?

Keys led 6-1 against Marcinko when the Croatian pulled out on 18 July. The American, a two-time Eastbourne champion, will now face Tatjana Maria in Saturday’s final. Maria also advanced without finishing her match when Yelena Ostapenko retired after a rain break.

Why it matters for Madison Keys

This is Keys’ third Eastbourne final after lifting the trophy in 2016 and 2023. The 2025 Australian Open champion now has a chance to add a third title in Eastbourne. “It is bittersweet winning this way,” Keys said after the walkover.

Keys’ path to the final

Keys dropped just one set in her first two matches before Marcinko retired. The American’s serve held strong, and she avoided the late drama that saw Maria’s opponent Ostapenko withdraw after medical checks. Keys’ grass-court form has been steady ahead of Wimbledon.

What comes next?

Keys and Maria will meet in the Eastbourne final on Saturday. The tournament serves as a key warm-up for Wimbledon, which begins on Monday. Keys will look to finish the week on a high note after two comfortable semifinals.