Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding performance at the Ningbo Open, securing her place in the final with a straight-sets victory over second-seed Jasmine Paolini. The Wimbledon 2022 champion showcased her powerful game, defeating the Italian 6-3, 6-2 in a match that lasted just under an hour and a half. Rybakina’s impressive display included a dominant service game and aggressive baseline play.
The Kazakhstani player started strong, breaking Paolini’s serve in the first set to take a 5-3 lead before comfortably closing it out. The second set saw a similar pattern, with the score tied at 2-2 before Rybakina shifted gears. She broke Paolini’s serve to move ahead 3-2 and then won the next three games consecutively, sealing the victory and a spot in the Ningbo Open final.
Rybakina’s powerful serve was a key factor in her win, as she fired 10 aces past Paolini. Her aggressive groundstrokes also troubled the Italian, contributing to a total of 30 winners throughout the match. Paolini struggled to counter Rybakina’s power and consistency, ultimately succumbing to the Kazakhstani’s dominance.
“I’m happy with how I played today,” Rybakina said after the match. “I served well and was aggressive from the baseline. Jasmine is a tough opponent, so I knew I had to be at my best.”
In the final, Rybakina will face the winner of the all-Russian clash between Diana Shnaider and Ekaterina Alexandrova. She will be aiming to win her tenth WTA singles title and further boost her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals, scheduled to be held in Riyadh from November 1st to 8th. So far, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys have already secured their spots in the prestigious year-end tournament.
Rybakina’s strong performance at the Ningbo Open comes at a crucial time as she looks to solidify her position among the world’s top players. A victory in the final would not only add another title to her resume but also significantly improve her chances of competing in the WTA Finals. The Ningbo Open final promises to be an exciting contest, with Rybakina looking to continue her winning streak and claim the title. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether she can maintain her momentum and secure another significant victory on the WTA tour. Her aggressive style of play and powerful serve make her a formidable opponent for anyone, and she will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the upcoming WTA Finals race.
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