Elena Rybakina Wins Ningbo Open, Eyes WTA Finals Berth

NINGBO, China — Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to beat fourth-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 and win the Ningbo Open title on Sunday. This victory marks Rybakina’s 10th career title and boosts her chances of reaching the WTA Finals in Riyadh next month.

Rybakina, who is currently ranked world No. 9, only needs to reach the semifinals of the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo to secure the final qualifying spot for the WTA Finals, held from November 1-8 in Saudi Arabia. Her win in Ningbo puts her close to surpassing Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva for that critical position.

“I’d like to congratulate Ekaterina for a great week and great season,” Rybakina said after the match. “It hasn’t been an easy year for all of us. Thank you so much to my team for always pushing me to be better.”

In the final match, Alexandrova started strong, taking an early 4-1 lead and winning the first set. However, Rybakina responded powerfully, adjusting her game and showcasing her skills on the court. By the third set, Rybakina dominated, securing her second title of the season.

With her victory and upcoming events, the race for the WTA Finals is heating up, with other players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Jasmine Paolini already qualified. Rybakina’s path in Tokyo may not be easy, as she faces tough challengers, including the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Laylah Fernandez.

As Rybakina prepares for her next match, Andreeva remains in suspense, having opted out of competing in Tokyo, leaving her ranking static at eighth with 4,319 points. This situation means all eyes will be on Rybakina as she seeks to solidify her place among the top eight.