Elena Rybakina demonstrated her formidable skills at the WTA Finals by finishing her group play unbeaten, even after a last-minute change in opponents. Originally slated to battle Madison Keys, who withdrew due to illness, Rybakina faced Ekaterina Alexandrova instead. The adaptation proved seamless, as she claimed victory with a score of 6-4, 6-4 in just 1 hour and 14 minutes.
Securing her spot in the semifinals beforehand, Rybakina still saw the importance of this match; not only were ranking points at stake, but maintaining her flawless record in Riyadh was crucial. Despite entering the match holding a losing record against Alexandrova, Rybakina showcased her dominance throughout the tournament, concluding Serena Williams Group play with a strong 3-0 record.
“Every match I play, I want to win,” Rybakina stated following her win. “Each win gives you confidence, so I’m really happy with that for now. The last few matches have been great and hopefully I can continue that.”
Keys, the reigning Australian Open champion, commented on her disappointment after having to withdraw, recognizing her own achievements throughout the year despite finishing 0-2 in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Alexandrova, stepping in as the second alternate for her WTA Finals debut at age 30, put up a commendable effort, but Rybakina’s experience and skill shone through.
The match reflected a strong start by Alexandrova, who won the initial six points and maintained pace with Rybakina in the early games. However, Rybakina’s determination surfaced at a crucial moment, allowing her to break serve and secure the first set. Despite facing challenges in the second set, including being broken for the first time while serving for the match, Rybakina relied on her powerful service game and clinched the victory with two decisive aces.
Rybakina’s performance was not only a testament to her ability to adapt under pressure but also a significant milestone. With this victory, she recorded her ninth win over a top 10 opponent in 2025, setting a new record for the most top 10 wins in a season by any player representing an Asian country, surpassing the previous record held by Li Na.
This achievement highlights Rybakina’s remarkable progress and suggests a bright future ahead as she aims for further success in the WTA Finals and beyond.