Rybakina Fights Back to Reach WTA Finals Championship Match

Elena Rybakina is heading to the WTA Finals championship match after a strong comeback win over Jessica Pegula on Friday. Rybakina dropped the first set but found her rhythm and defeated Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to keep her title hopes alive. She will now face either world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or American Amanda Anisimova in the final.

Sabalenka and Anisimova will play later in a rematch of their U.S. Open final from September, where Sabalenka won in straight sets to earn her fourth Grand Slam trophy. The winner of that match will take on Rybakina for the season-ending championship at the King Saud University Sports Arena.

The match against Pegula didn’t start the way Rybakina wanted. Pegula, who finished as runner-up at last year’s WTA Finals, played very steady from the baseline and took a 4-2 lead in the first set. Rybakina was dealing with a shoulder issue she picked up during warm-ups the day before, and her timing was off. Pegula closed out the set after Rybakina made her 25th unforced error.

“It was a tough match,” Rybakina said. “Jessica started really well, and it was hard for me to come back at first. I’m happy I was able to find a way to turn things around.”

In the second set, Rybakina’s serve started to click. She jumped out to a 4-1 lead, using her power to take control of the rallies. Pegula tried to fight back, but Rybakina held her ground and forced a deciding third set.

The final set was tight and emotional, with both players breaking each other’s serve. At 4-3, Pegula hit a forehand into the net, giving Rybakina the advantage. Rybakina stayed calm and served out the match. Her serve was a major weapon all day, as she finished with 15 aces.

Now, Rybakina is one win away from her first WTA Finals trophy — and a strong finish to her season.

Also Read: Emotional Djokovic Pays Tribute to Late Mentor in Athens