Rybakina Dominates Paolini to Secure Ningbo Final Spot

Elena Rybakina advanced to the final of the Ningbo Open after defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2 on September 30, 2023. This victory keeps Rybakina’s hopes alive for qualifying for the WTA Finals, set to take place next month in Riyadh.

Paolini, who could have secured her spot in the season finale with a win, will now have to wait for the outcomes at the upcoming Pan-Pacific Open in Tokyo. The competition there will determine the last two qualifying positions, with Russian player Mirra Andreeva also in contention.

Rybakina Shows Dominance

Rybakina, the former Wimbledon champion, entered the semi-final match having lost her last two encounters against Paolini. Nevertheless, she demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, utilizing her powerful serve and strong groundstrokes to secure the win in just 90 minutes. Rybakina recorded an impressive total of 30 winners, including 10 aces, and successfully saved all seven break points she faced during the match.

Reflecting on her performance, Rybakina remarked, “I knew the match was going to be very tough. Jasmine has played really well this season and she’s a really tough opponent, so I knew I would need to bring my best. I’m happy I stayed focused until the end and won it in straight sets.”

With this victory, Rybakina improved her head-to-head record against Paolini to 3-3, showcasing her ability to rebound after previous setbacks. As she prepares for the final, she will face either Diana Shnaider or Ekaterina Alexandrova, who are competing in the other semi-final match.

Looking Ahead

Rybakina’s strong performance in Ningbo not only propels her towards the final but also highlights her potential to make a significant impact at the upcoming WTA Finals. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Pan-Pacific Open to see who will join her in Riyadh as the last contenders for the season finale.