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Elena Rybakina admits she didn't have many expectations going into the WTA Finals, nevertheless it resulted in a dream run for the Kazakh tennis star.
After shedding early on the WTA 1000 tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan, Rybakina was just about a protracted shot to make the WTA Finals. However with a triumphant Ningbo marketing campaign and a Tokyo semifinal run – and resulting from Mirra Andreeva's poor type all through the Asian swing – the Kazakh pulled off somewhat miracle and clinched the final WTA Finals spot.
Previous to this yr, Rybakina had by no means made it previous the WTA Finals group stage – she posted 1-2 information throughout her 2023 and 2024 campaigns on the season-ending event. However this yr, she went unbeaten after triumphing in opposition to Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Jessica Pegula, and Aryna Sabalenka within the remaining 6-3 7-6 (0).
Rybakina: I got here final and with out expectations… I used to be already fascinated by trip
“I got here final and with out expectations. I used to be enjoying in Asia and thought, ‘OK, if it doesn’t go my method, I’m going on trip early.’ After which I got here until the tip. It’s an unimaginable achievement," the 26-year-old admitted afterward.
Rybakina's WTA Finals victory additionally comes with a $5.2 million prize cash and a 1,500-ranking level reward. The Kazakh – who got here to Riyadh sitting at No. 6 within the rankings – will enhance to No. 5 on Monday.
“It was an incredible environment to play right here. I’ve actually loved it — it’s my second yr in a row — and it’s simply so particular to be again. Thanks to the Saudi Tennis Federation, the Minister of Sport, and everybody who made this event potential," the Kazakh tennis star said.
After ending her 2025 season on a excessive word, Rybakina will definitely look to do higher in Grand Slams subsequent yr and bounce again from poor Slam outcomes posted this season.
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