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By Chris Oddo | Sunday October 16, 2016

 
Madison Keys

Madison Keys and Dominika Cibulkova claimed the last two Singapore slots on Sunday, setting the elite field of eight for Oct. 23.

Photo Source: Christopher Levy

The field is set for this year’s WTA Finals. Dominika Cibulkova’s late surge has catapulted her into the eighth and final spot, and her victory over Carla Suárez Navarro has also assured Madison Keys of her spot as the No.7.



Keys, 21, and Cibulkova, 27, will both be making their WTA Finals debut. Karolina Pliskova is the other player that will make a debut in Singapore.

"I couldn't be more excited to qualify for my first WTA Finals," said Keys, according to WTATennis.com. "I've worked harder than ever this year both on and off the court and I am happy that the hard work is paying off. I look forward to finishing my season strong in Singapore."

The American reached the second week of all four majors this season, and climbed to a career-high ranking of No.7 in the world. She went 17-7 in deciders (was 18-25 in third sets before this season) to bolster her reputation as a big-match player and problem solver.

Cibulkova won three titles and climbed to a career-high ranking of No.8 in the rankings. A nine-match winning streak on grass this summer saw her claim the prestigious Eastbourne title before reaching her first Wimbledon quarterfinal. More recently she won 10 of 12, reaching the Wuhan final before sealing her qualification with her title in Linz.

"I can't describe with words what qualifying for the WTA Finals Singapore means to me," said Cibulkova, according to WTATennis.com. "After such a tough year last year, this year has been amazing - so reaching the WTA Finals is a dream come true. It was my goal to be a consistently great player and I have achieved that this year. I want to enjoy it, play good tennis and end the year the best way I can."

Though the field is set, there is still some doubt about whether or not Serena Williams will be fit enough to attend this year’s WTA Finals.

On Tennis Channel on Saturday, commentators Lindsay Davenport and Justin Gimelstob talked about the fact that they have not seen Williams practicing at all. With less than a week to go before first ball they expressed doubt that she would be able to attend.

Members of the media are starting to be skeptical as well.

 

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