With Elena Rybakina winning her Tokyo Open quarterfinal match against Victoria Mboko, Mirra Andreeva is out of the WTA Finals race. While on first read that might not seem particularly unusual, there are quite a few things about her missing out that are rather oddly specific.

Mirra Andreeva was denied a WTA Finals debut this year after being unable to secure a visa to travel to Tokyo, while Elena Rybakina qualified in style

The final spot for the 2025 WTA Finals is yet to be confirmed, with two players still hoping to make it to event in Riyadh.

In spite of her meteoric rise over the last 12 months, Andreeva is yet to consolidate her place at the upcoming WTA Finals. She would have been hoping to pick up some crucial ranking points at the Pan Pacific Open, which is being held in Tokyo. However, it has emerged that she will be prevented from playing for an unusual reason.

Andreeva edged the first set 7-6 (4), but lost the second and third sets, both by the margin of 6-3. At one stage during the contest between the teenage sensation and the veteran, the former missed what looked like a routine volley at the net. Devastated at having missed the shot, the Russian turned tearful. Watch the moment unfold below:

Preview the the 2025 Dongfeng Voyah Wuhan Open match between Mirra Andreeva vs. Laura Siegemund, plus betting odds, insights and head-to-head-stats.

A rising star in the world of tennis, Mirra Andreeva is known for her aggressive playing style and exceptional talent despite her young age. Her impressive performances in various junior and professional tournaments have made her one to watch in the tennis circuit.

Andreeva won't play next week and that means Paolini is qualified for the WTA Finals while Rybakina's chances drastically improved.

Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini and several other WTA stars were in attendance at the 2025 Ningbo Open players' party.