Elena Rybakina Concludes Season with Resilient Victory over Aryna Sabalenka at WTA Finals
In a thrilling conclusion to her season, Elena Rybakina, World No.5, defeated the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the Purple Group round-robin match at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh. Rybakina, who has faced injury setbacks throughout the year, put on an impressive performance, winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.
Despite her victory, Rybakina did not advance to the semifinals due to her 1-2 record in group play. However, this match capped off a challenging season with a high note, marking her second victory this year over Sabalenka, following a dominant win earlier in the Brisbane final. Known for her powerful serves and baseline play, Rybakina showed her strength by winning every first-serve point in the final set against the World No.1.
Throughout the year, Rybakina battled health issues, including a back injury that forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Open, and a reduced tournament schedule. Her success in Riyadh signals a promising return to form as she looks ahead to the 2025 season. In post-match comments, Rybakina expressed satisfaction with her improvement and noted the challenges of staying competitive despite limited playtime.
This performance solidifies Rybakina’s reputation as a formidable competitor against the sport’s elite, ending the season with momentum that could propel her further in the next WTA season. Sabalenka, despite the loss, will move forward to the semifinals, while Rybakina exits Riyadh with 200 ranking points and a morale boost to close 2024.
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