Elena Rybakina triumphed over top seed Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) to secure the coveted WTA Finals title. This victory marks her most significant achievement since her remarkable run at Wimbledon in 2022. Throughout the match, Sabalenka faced challenges in gaining any momentum, which ultimately played a crucial role in the outcome.
In a testament to her ongoing journey back to the top, Rybakina demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, not only defeating the world No. 1 but also reaffirming her position among the elite in women’s tennis. The match took place in Riyadh, where the Kazakhstani tennis player showcased a level of play that has been reminiscent of her earlier successes. Her victory was achieved in straight sets, which is particularly notable against a player of Sabalenka’s caliber.
Rybakina, once considered part of the ‘big three’ alongside Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, experienced a dip in form, attributed to a challenging coaching situation that affected her ranking. However, her performance in this tournament served as a significant rebound, illustrating her determination and commitment to reclaim her status in the sport. Completing the match in one hour and 47 minutes, Rybakina remained unbeaten in her last five matches leading up to the finals, capturing the attention of the tennis community with her formidable play.
By winning this title, Rybakina not only claims the largest prize on the WTA Tour for the first time but also takes home a substantial reward of $5 million (£3.8 million), propelling her up to the fifth position in the world rankings. In her post-match interview, Rybakina expressed her surprise and joy at her success, stating, “It’s been an incredible week. I honestly didn’t expect any result; to go so far is just incredible.” Reflecting on the final match, she acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Today was such a tough battle.”
On the other hand, Sabalenka’s remarkable season, highlighted by her victory at the US Open and runner-up finishes at both the Australian Open and French Open, concluded on a somber note. Despite her achievements, she was unable to secure a win at the WTA Finals, leaving her with mixed emotions. In a tearful on-court interview, Sabalenka shared her feelings of vulnerability, mentioning, “I am getting old, I am getting really sensitive. So many things to be proud of.” Acknowledging Rybakina’s superior performance, she added, “Not the best performance; she was definitely the better player. She literally smashed me out of the court.”
The match itself featured high-quality tennis, with the first set being decided by a break to love in Rybakina’s favor. As the match progressed to the second set, Sabalenka fought valiantly, even forcing set points as she aimed to level the contest. However, Rybakina’s determination shone through as she displayed impressive resilience, ultimately pushing the second set to a tie-break. In a striking display of authority, Rybakina dominated the tie-break, claiming victory without dropping a single point and concluding the match when Sabalenka sent a forehand long. This final moment underscored Rybakina’s impressive return to form and her potential for future successes in her career.
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