Rybakina seals a perfect group run at the WTA Finals
Elena Rybakina shrugged off a late call-up and completed a flawless group phase at the WTA Finals, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets to finish atop her group. The sixth seed, who secured a semifinal spot on Monday, carried the momentum into the decisive match and didn’t show any signs of fatigue as the round-robin format nears its end.
Match overview: straight-sets victory
Rybakina controlled the tempo from the baseline, extracting errors from her opponent and converting key opportunities on serve. The first set swung in her favor at 6-4, with the Kazakh star showing the steadiness and aggression that have been hallmarks of her season. In the second set, she maintained her intensity, sealing the win in straight sets (6-4, 6-3) to leave Alexandrova with little chance to turn the match around.
What a group sweep means for Rybakina
Completing a perfect group record is a statement of consistency, especially in a field loaded with Grand Slam champions and top-ranked rivals. Rybakina’s ability to close out matches in straight sets demonstrates not only her potent serve and groundstrokes but also her mental clarity under pressure. The win keeps her momentum intact as she transitions to the knockout rounds, where small margins determine titles at this level.
Impact on the season and rankings
The win adds valuable momentum heading into the semifinals and can influence seedings for upcoming events. Rybakina’s performance in the group stage has reaffirmed her status as one of the climate’s most consistent players, capable of thriving in high-stakes formats. For Alexandrova, the late call-up was a difficult assignment, but she competed hard and gave her group rival a solid test before bowing out.
Looking ahead: semifinals and beyond
As the round-robin phase ends, attention shifts to the semifinals, where the stakes rise and the level of play intensifies. Rybakina’s form in this event suggests she’ll be a tough opponent for any challenger. Fans will be watching to see if she can translate group success into a deep run and, potentially, a WTA Finals title for the season.
