Elena Rybakina is gearing up for her second title of 2025 as she competes in the WTA Ningbo Open, where she is set to clash with Dayana Yastremska in what promises to be an electrifying match. Scheduled for Thursday, the winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face either Ajla Tomljanovic or Zeynep Sonmez. This matchup is particularly significant as both players are fighting for their best positions heading towards the season-ending WTA Finals.
Rybakina, who is currently positioned at World No. 9, recently showcased her talent by reaching the quarterfinals at the Wuhan Open. Despite securing a title earlier this year at the Internationaux de Strasbourg and posting an impressive 47-19 record in 2025, Rybakina faced challenges in Grand Slam events, failing to advance past the Round of 16. Her impressive performance on first serves, winning 74% of points, equipped with a solid 42% break point conversion rate, highlights her competitive edge entering this tournament.
On the other hand, Dayana Yastremska, ranked No. 30 in the world, continues to build momentum after defeating Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko in straight sets during the Round of 32. She has had strong showings this year, including upsets over top players like Coco Gauff and Emma Navarro. Yastremska aims to improve her ranking from a career-high of No. 21 and achieve greater success after finishing as a runner-up in both Linz and Nottingham.
Historically, Rybakina holds a 2-0 advantage over Yastremska in their head-to-head encounters this year, with both matches showcasing her resilience. A competitive clash took place at the Australian Open, where Rybakina won in straight sets, while a tighter match unfolded in Montreal, where she came back from a set down to secure victory.
With both players renowned for their baseline power, the upcoming match at the Ningbo Open will come down to strategic play and timely executions. Analysts suggest that Rybakina’s experience and strength will likely play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. The prediction favors Rybakina to emerge victorious in three sets if she can manage the pace and pressure applied by Yastremska.
Rybakina is a notable favorite among bettors, with odds positioning her at 1/7 against Yastremska’s 9/2. This implies a 79% likelihood of Rybakina claiming victory in this round. The anticipated intensity of this match underscores a thrilling moment in the tournament as both players seek to earn valuable points and advance deeper into the competition.