Rybakina wins Ningbo title to close in on WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina secured a crucial victory at the Ningbo Open, coming from a set down to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 and claim the singles title. This win marked her 10th career tour title and an important step toward qualifying for the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh.

Heading into the final, Rybakina appeared vulnerable. She lost the first set as Alexandrova broke early and held the advantage. Rybakina struggled with errors and lacked rhythm, and Alexandrova capitalised on a strong forehand winner to take the opener. However, in the second set, the tide turned dramatically. Rybakina elevated her serve and ground-game, tightened her error count, and rattled off six consecutive games to whitewash her opponent 6-0. That momentum carried into the third set, where she broke early and never looked back, ending matters 6-2.

This victory is significant not only because of the title itself but because of what it means for the tour standings and Rybakina’s season ambitions. With the win in Ningbo, she is now in striking distance of securing the final qualifying spot for the WTA Finals. According to reports, she now only needs to reach the semi-finals of the upcoming Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo to seal her berth, potentially at the expense of rising star Mirra Andreeva. Already qualified for the WTA Finals are players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Jasmine Paolini.

From a broader perspective, Rybakina’s triumph speaks to her resilience and late-season surge. Her performance in Ningbo demonstrates a capacity to overcome slow starts and to reset mid-match, skills that are often vital in high-stakes tournaments. It also adds to her win count in 2025 and may restore confidence after earlier hiccups. For Alexandrova, though the loss is disappointing—especially after starting so well—it nevertheless reinforces her presence among the tour’s tougher competitors. Rybakina herself acknowledged the challenge of the season and thanked her team for their support.

The win also underscores the importance of timing in the season. With only a few tournaments left before the WTA Finals, every match carries heightened importance, especially for those vying for final berths. Rybakina’s ability to seize this moment gives her momentum heading into Tokyo, and the chance to lock in her place among the elite eight at the year-end championships.

In sum, the Ningbo title is more than a trophy—it may be the hinge on which Rybakina’s season turns. If she carries this form into Tokyo and meets the semi-final threshold, she will secure her spot at the WTA Finals and reaffirm her status among the game’s top performers heading into the next season.

Rybakina