Elena Rybakina secured her place in the final of the Ningbo Open with a straight-sets victory over Jasmine Paolini. The Kazakhstani star overcame the Italian 6-4, 6-3 in a match that showcased her composure and power from the baseline. Paolini, who has enjoyed a strong season, pushed Rybakina in several rallies, but the world No. 5 maintained control throughout.

“I knew the match would be very tough. Jasmine played really well this season. She’s a really tough opponent. I knew I’d need to bring my best. I’m happy I stayed focused til the end and I won it in straight sets,” Rybakina said after the match.

First final appearance in Ningbo

The win marks Rybakina’s first final appearance at the Ningbo Open, a milestone she acknowledged with enthusiasm during her on-court interview. Known for her calm demeanor, she allowed herself a moment of joy in front of the Chinese crowd.

“I’m very excited. I’ll try to bring my best. Let’s see what’s gonna happen. Thanks again for coming. Xiexie,” she said, thanking fans in Mandarin.

Eyes on the title

Rybakina will now face either Petra Martic or Wang Xinyu in the final, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal. With her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, she enters the final as the favorite, aiming to add another title to her growing resume.

The Ningbo Open has provided a platform for Rybakina to regain momentum after a series of injury setbacks earlier in the season. Her performance against Paolini suggests she is peaking at the right time.

WTA Ningbo - Elena Rybakina's projected path

Projected draw
1st
BYE
QF
A.Tomljanovic (83)6-2 6-0
SF
J.Paolini (8)6-3 6-2
F
E.Alexandrova (10)3-6 6-0 6-2

Elena Rybakina in 2025

Elena Rybakina

66 - 25win/loss

Hard
45-17
I Hard
5-0
Clay
11-4
Grass
5-4
Rank
5
High
3
26 year old
WWWWWWWLWW
2025 Highlights
W
StrasbourgNingboRiyadh
SF
AustraliaAbu DhabiDubaiWashingtonMontrealCincinnatiTokyo
QF
DohaLondonBerlinWuhan
SEE ALL

Currently the world no.9, the Kazakhstani played her last match on the 18th of October when she was overcome by Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Tokyo (draw).

This season Elena has a 51-19 record. Rybakina has won 1 title in Strasbourg.

Tokyo
Rybakina's Record

WTA Tokyo - Jasmine Paolini's projected path

Projected draw
1st
Qualifier
QF
SF
F

Jasmine Paolini in 2025

Jasmine Paolini

49 - 29win/loss

Hard
30-18
I Hard
1-3
Clay
14-4
Grass
4-4
Rank
8
High
4
29 year old
WLLLLWWLLW
2025 Highlights
W
Rome
F
Cincinnati
SF
MiamiStuttgartBad HomburgWuhanNingbo
SEE ALL

Currently ranked no.8, the Italian played her last match on the 18th of October when she defeated Unknown Player bye in the 1st round in Tokyo (draw).

This season the Italian has a 46-18 match record. Paolini has won 1 title in Rome. The Italian was the finalist in Cincinnati.

Tokyo
Paolini's Record

Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini clashed against each other 6 times. Their head to head is 3-3.