Rybakina’s Dominance in Ningbo
Elena Rybakina is proving to be nearly unbeatable when she is at her best, as Ekaterina Alexandrova discovered during their match on Sunday in Ningbo. Rybakina came back after losing the first set, winning nine consecutive games between the second and third sets, to clinch the 2025 AUX · Ningbo Open title with a score of 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 in just under two hours.
A Milestone Victory
This victory marks Rybakina’s 10th career WTA title and her second of the season, both at the WTA 500 level. It represents her third consecutive win in a WTA final, propelling her closer to qualifying for the year-end WTA finals in Riyadh. Rybakina is now set to head to Tokyo, where she must reach at least the semifinals to secure the final qualifying spot, otherwise she will enter as the first alternate.
Expressing Gratitude
“Thank you so much to my team for always pushing me to be better,” Rybakina expressed during the trophy presentation. “It’s challenging towards the end of the season, but I wouldn’t be here without you. Hopefully, we can achieve even more next week.”
Turning the Match Around
The match began with Alexandrova taking an early lead by breaking Rybakina’s powerful serve in the second game of the first set. Although she only managed one break point in the first set, she held her own effectively against the world No. 9. However, Rybakina quickly turned the match around, winning nine consecutive games, including a bagel in the second set, and jumped to a 3-0 lead in the final set, a lead she maintained to complete her comeback.
Serving Strength
Rybakina’s serving was a key factor in her victory, as she landed 61% of her first serves while winning 88% of them—including a flawless performance in the second set. With 11 aces, she effectively limited Alexandrova’s opportunities, allowing her only three break points throughout the match. Her last ace came at a crucial moment when she faced a 0-30 deficit while leading in the final set, helping maintain her stronghold in the match.
Post-Match Reflections
This win not only boosts Rybakina’s chances for the WTA Finals, but also adds to her impressive accolades, including her 2022 Wimbledon title and a runner-up finish at the 2023 Australian Open. For Alexandrova, this marks a frustrating third consecutive loss in WTA 500 finals, yet she has displayed her best form to date, solidifying her standing as a top 10 player. Rybakina wished Alexandrova the best as they both prepare for the upcoming Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Doubles Success for Samsonova and Melichar-Martinez
In the doubles category, Liudmila Samsonova and Nicole Melichar-Martinez triumphed by taking the Ningbo Open doubles title after a remarkable journey through the tournament. They overcame various challenges, including a super-tiebreak in the opening round and defeating the third seeds in the quarterfinals. Their finale concluded with a dramatic comeback victory over No. 4 seeds Timea Babos and Luisa Stefani, marking Melichar-Martinez’s redemption after a runner-up finish last year.
