Elena Rybakina staged a stirring comeback at the Ningbo Open, battling back from a 3-6 first-set loss to demolish Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 6-2 and lift her 10th career trophy 🎾💪.
In the 30-year-old Russian’s first-set charge, Alexandrova’s powerful forehands and aggressive play had Rybakina on the back foot. But the Kazakh standout flipped the script in set two with a flawless bagel (a 6-0 score) that sent waves through the stadium in Ningbo on the Chinese mainland.
With momentum firmly on her side, world No. 9 Rybakina kept the pressure high in the decider, racking up early breaks and cruising to victory. This title not only marks her second of the season but also boosts her bid for a spot at the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh.
Here's the lowdown on what’s at stake:
- Rybakina’s title haul: 10 career wins and counting
- WTA Finals chase: She needs a semifinal run at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo to secure the final spot over rising Russian teen Mirra Andreeva
- Already locked in for Riyadh: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Jasmine Paolini
After her win, Rybakina tipped her hat to Alexandrova’s consistency this season and thanked her team for keeping her game sharp and her spirits high. She said it's been a tough campaign, but moments like these make it all worth it, and now her sights are on Tokyo and beyond.
For fans in South and Southeast Asia, this is a reminder that the tennis circuit is heating up as we head into the final stretch of the year—so keep your eyes peeled and your energy levels high! 🌟
Reference(s):
Rybakina overcomes Alexandrova in final to claim title at Ningbo Open
cgtn.com
