On Sunday, Elena Rybakina displayed actual toughness in China, having lost a set, Russia defeated her 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 to hoist the Ningbo Open trophy. The victory brings the Kazakh star her 10th career title and places her in the proximity of a place in the next WTA Finals.
Rybakina has now just to finalize the qualifying position in the end of year event by winning the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this week one step further and by doing so, she has pushed out Russian teenager, Mirra Andreeva.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals, where the top eight competitors of the season will compete between November 1 and 8. Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Jasmine Paolini are the other seven players who have already booked their places.
Rybakina also used to congratulate her opponent and team after the win. Congratulations, Ekaterina have a great week and season, she said. A rough year of us all with the schedule but I am glad to have a team that constantly challenges me. It will not be so simple to end the season, but hopefully, we are able to continue it in Tokyo.
The match started with the position of control of Alexandrova, who rushed to a 4-1 lead, as Rybakina was having difficulty with mistakes and rhythm. Russian closed the first set by a booming forehand winner. But Rybakina, who did not want to lose a fourth straight match against Alexandrova on hardcourt, surged to the second set with accurate crosscourt shots and perfect delivery, and led the match on an overwhelming note.
The world No. 9, in the decider, increased her intensity once again combining power with intelligent net play. She took control with an early break and never looked back, claiming 2 nd title of the season and giving her self-confidence as she headed towards Tokyo.
Such an end-season run has brought Rybakina squarely back into the hunt to the top end of year event, and as her decline in Ningbo showed, she is not letting up any time soon.
Also Read: Djokovic Says He is not Retiring in the Near Future, Motivated by Sports Legends
Travis Kelce Talks About Possible Retirement After 2025 Season