Rybakina and Alexandrova Secure Spots in Thrilling Ningbo Final Showdown
In a thrilling semifinal at the Ningbo Open, former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina triumphed over Jasmine Paolini with a score of 6-3, 6-2. This victory marked Rybakina’s first final appearance in five months, following a string of near misses at recent tournaments including the Citi Open and Canadian Open.
Match Highlights
The match lasted 89 minutes, during which Rybakina showcased her powerful serving, delivering 10 aces. Despite her strong performance, she faced considerable pressure, needing to save seven break points against the second-seeded Paolini.
Rybakina’s Reflection
After the match, Rybakina expressed her satisfaction. “I knew the match would be very tough,” she stated. “Jasmine has played really well this season. I’m happy I stayed focused until the end and won in straight sets.”
Looking Ahead
With this win, Rybakina is one step closer to securing her position at the end-of-season WTA Finals. She previously won a WTA 500 title in Strasbourg on May 24, and now aims to add the Ningbo Open title to her accolades.
Final Matchup
The final will see Rybakina face Ekaterina Alexandrova, who is also making headlines as she ranks in the top 10 for the first time in her career. Alexandrova reached the final after defeating Diana Shnaider in straight sets, with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Upcoming Final Details
| Event | Finalists |
|---|---|
| Ningbo Open Final | Elena Rybakina vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova |
The intensity of the upcoming showdown promises an exciting conclusion to the Ningbo Open, especially as both players are eager to claim the title.
