In a thrilling showdown in Riyadh, World No.5 Elena Rybakina pulled off a statement victory against top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the final match of the Purple Group at the WTA Finals. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, not only clinched her first win at the WTA Finals but also secured her second triumph over a reigning World No.1 this year.
Despite Sabalenka having already sealed her place in the semifinals, Rybakina entered the court with fierce determination. Coming off a challenging season marked by a back injury and limited match play, she arrived in Riyadh as the underdog. Sabalenka, with a dominant 6-3 record against Rybakina before this match, was expected to maintain control. Yet, Rybakina’s composure and strategic baseline play helped her capitalize on key points.
In the opening set, Rybakina outpaced Sabalenka with powerful serves and baseline winners, ultimately out-hitting her with 10 winners to six. Sabalenka responded by elevating her game in the second set, displaying the form that made her World No.1 as she hit 15 winners to just five unforced errors. With the match pushed to a third set, Rybakina raised her game even further, breaking Sabalenka early and racing to a 4-1 lead. Her flawless first-serve percentage in the final set proved too much for Sabalenka, who never had a chance to break back.
Reflecting on her performance, Rybakina said, “I think today I served really well, especially in the third set. Overall, I’m happy with how I played, considering all the circumstances this season.”
Sabalenka, who will face the Orange Group’s No.2 qualifier in the semifinals, admitted struggling to stay fully engaged. “Honestly, this is something I have to learn—how to stay motivated when you’re already through to the semis. I was really off emotionally in the first set, and that’s something I need to fix before the next match.”
Rybakina’s impressive win nets her 200 ranking points and $350,000 in prize money, capping her season on a high note and setting the stage for a confident start in the new year.
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