Rybakina finishes the group stage with a confident victory
Elena Rybakina wrapped up her WTA Finals group stage with a decisive performance, defeating late call-up Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets. The sixth seed, who already secured a place in the semi-finals earlier in the week, carried her momentum from the round-robin phase into the final group match, signaling peak form as the tournament reaches its climax.
Group dynamics and path to the semis
Rybakina entered the final round-robin match knowing results elsewhere could influence her standing, but she took care of business regardless. By securing a 6-4 first set, she established control early, leveraging powerful groundstrokes and a reliable serve. In the second set, she continued to pressure her resourceful opponent, sealing the match and leaving no doubt about her readiness for the knockout rounds.
How the match unfolded
The Tokyo-born star faced an opponent who stepped into the tournament after a late call-up, adding a layer of unpredictability to the afternoon. Rybakina’s strategy was clear: mix aggressive baseline play with smart variation to keep Alexandrova on the move. The rallies often tilted in Rybakina’s favor as she dictated points from the backhand wing and mixed in well-timed dropshots to disrupt Alexandrova’s rhythm.
What this means for the semi-finals
With the group stage now complete, Rybakina enters the knockout rounds with renewed confidence and momentum. A clean sweep in the group is a strong signal to rivals that she is peaking at the right moment of the season. Her performance also underscores the depth of her game, capable of delivering pressure from the baseline while maintaining composure in key moments.
Rybakina’s season in perspective
The victory adds to a season in which the 24-year-old has consistently threatened the tour’s best throughout important late-season events. Her ability to close out matches on big stages has remained a hallmark of her rise, and her WTA Finals form serves as a reminder of why she is considered one of the sport’s most dangerous competitors when the lights are brightest.
What fans can expect next
As the semi-finals approach, anticipation grows around which opponent will stand in Rybakina’s way of a potential title run. Her blend of power and precision makes her a tough matchup for any player in the field, and her confident finish to the group stage will be a talking point among analysts and fans alike. The focus now shifts to adapting strategy for the higher stakes of the knockout rounds and potentially turning momentum into a final push for the trophy.
Key takeaways
- Rybakina completes an undefeated group stage in the WTA Finals.
- The win reinforces her status as a legitimate title contender this season.
- Her match management and shot selection suggested top form heading into the semis.
