Rybakina claims the season-ending WTA Finals title in Riyadh
Elena Rybakina capped a standout year by defeating the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(0) to win the WTA Finals. The match, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased Rybakina’s form and precision as the sixth-ranked player delivered a near-flawless performance to clinch one of the sport’s most prestigious prizes.
Near-flawless execution from a seasoned finisher
Rybakina’s serving was a major factor throughout the final. She fired eight aces and repeatedly found first serves that put Sabalenka on the back foot. The Russian-born Kazakh player converted the lone break of the match, cementing her advantage in the opening set and setting the tone for the finish in straight sets.
Step-for-step control from the baseline
From the early exchanges, Rybakina dictated points with clean ball striking and depth. Her aggressive returns and service games kept Sabalenka under pressure, limiting the top seed’s opportunities to impose her own rhythm. The first set moved quickly in Rybakina’s favor as Sabalenka fought to counter the precise placements and power coming from the other side of the court.
Sabalenka’s resilience tested in a tense tiebreak
The second set pushed Sabalenka to respond and force more rallies, as she sought momentum that could swing the match in her direction. The tiebreak, however, went decisively in favor of the sixth seed, with Sabalenka unable to mount a late surge. The 7-6(0) outcome underscored Rybakina’s cool under pressure and her ability to close out big matches when it mattered most.
What this victory means for Rybakina and the season
Winning the WTA Finals is a landmark achievement that highlights Rybakina’s consistency across a demanding calendar year. The title adds another major accolade to a season that saw her asserting herself among the sport’s elite. For Sabalenka, the final demonstrated why she held the No. 1 ranking and how hard it is to topple her when she is at her best; the loss, however, does little to diminish the impact she has had in 2024.
Looking ahead
With the WTA Finals behind them, both players will carry confidence into the next season. For Rybakina, the triumph reinforces her ability to win in high-stakes matches and to beat the sport’s best players on big stages. For Sabalenka, the experience gained in this final could translate into sharper focus and renewed ambition as she returns to the tour.
Event context
The WTA Finals in Riyadh brought together the season’s top performers for a showcase that caps the year on a high note. The event offers a platform where pressure and performance intersect, and on this occasion, Elena Rybakina rose to the occasion to claim the championship in a victory that will be remembered as a defining moment of her career.
