Elena Rybakina Wins 10th Career Title at Ningbo Open, Nears WTA Finals Qualification

Elena Rybakina rallied from a set down to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 to win her 10th career title at the Ningbo Open in China. This victory keeps her in contention for the final spot at the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh, requiring her to reach the semifinals of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo to secure qualification. Rybakina's strong performance, including improved serving and fewer unforced errors, helped her overcome Alexandrova's early lead and maintain momentum toward the season finale. The WTA Finals field already includes top players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini. Rybakina, ranked world number nine, has been a finalist at the WTA Finals for the past two years and won two WTA 500 events this season, underscoring her consistent form. Her victory speech acknowledged the ongoing challenge ahead, emphasizing that her "work not being done."