Elena Rybakina’s Victory in the WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina delivered a brilliant finish to the season in Riyadh. In the final of the WTA Finals, she secured a confident victory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6–3, 7–6, with a flawless tiebreak in which she did not concede a single point. It was one of those rare matches where the tension and focus on the court were almost tangible. Rybakina played not only with power, but with precise strategy, constantly forcing Sabalenka to change pace and take risks.

The final marked the culmination of Rybakina’s perfect run at the tournament. She won all her group-stage matches and advanced confidently to the decisive rounds. In the semifinal, she defeated Jessica Pegula after a difficult start, losing the first set before completely adjusting her game and winning 4–6, 6–4, 6–3. Her serve, long one of her greatest strengths, gave her a clear tactical advantage throughout the event. The average speed of her first serve exceeded 180 kilometers per hour, and her success rate on first-serve points consistently kept her among the tournament leaders.

The final in Riyadh became clear proof of Rybakina’s ability to handle pressure at the highest level. She remained composed even during rallies where Sabalenka tried to turn the match around with aggressive shot-making. The second-set tiebreak was particularly striking. It unfolded in one breath, with Elena playing seven perfect points without a single mistake. After the final ball, she looked calm, almost cold. This restraint has long become her signature trait.

The victory earned her a record prize money for the WTA season of over five million dollars. Commentators and analysts noted that this amount symbolizes a new level of power in women’s tennis and at the same time recognizes the standard Rybakina has been setting over the past two years. Since her Wimbledon triumph, she has repeatedly proven that she belongs among the players shaping the modern tour.

For Kazakhstan, this final was a historic moment. Rybakina once again reminded the world that her switch to representing Kazakhstan was not merely a sporting decision, but the beginning of a new chapter that brought the country titles, major opponents, finals, and now a victory at the season-ending championship. Her consistency, powerful serve, and ability to control long rallies make her one of the most dangerous players for any top-level opponent.