Elena Rybakina wins Ningbo Open to edge closer to WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina produced a stunning comeback to defeat Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 in the Ningbo Open final on Sunday, capturing her 10th career title and moving within touching distance of qualifying for the 2025 WTA Finals.

The Kazakh star, who started slowly but found her rhythm in emphatic fashion, now needs only a semi-final finish at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this week to secure the final spot for the prestigious season-ending event in Riyadh.

Alexandrova came out firing, breaking early and racing to a 4-1 lead as Rybakina struggled to find her timing. The Russian’s clean hitting and powerful forehand saw her wrap up the opening set 6-3, extending her dominance over Rybakina on hardcourts.

But the world No. 9 flipped the script in the second set, unleashing her trademark serve and baseline power to completely overwhelm Alexandrova. Rybakina didn’t drop a single game, sealing the set 6-0 in just 26 minutes.

With momentum firmly on her side, Elena Rybakina kept her foot on the gas in the decider. A clever approach to the net earned her an early break, and from there, the 26-year-old was relentless, dictating play and forcing Alexandrova into errors. She sealed the win with an ace to claim her second title of the season.

“Not an Easy Year,” says Rybakina

After lifting the trophy, Rybakina praised her opponent and acknowledged the challenges of a long season.

“I’d like to congratulate Ekaterina for a great week and great season,” Rybakina said during the on-court ceremony. “It hasn’t been an easy year for all of us — the schedule’s been difficult. I’m so grateful to my team for always pushing me to be better. The end of the season isn’t easy, but without you, I wouldn’t be here.”

She added with a smile, “Hopefully, we can push a little more this week in Tokyo.”

The Race to Riyadh Heats Up

Rybakina’s win has tightened the battle for the final spot at the WTA Finals, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 1–8.

The eight-player field already includes Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Jasmine Paolini. If Rybakina reaches the Tokyo semi-finals, she will qualify ahead of 17-year-old Russian sensation Mirra Andreeva, who currently sits just behind her in the Race to Riyadh standings.

With her confidence surging and form peaking at the right time, Rybakina looks ready to make one final push to join the elite lineup in Riyadh.

SportsLigue