Elena Rybakina’s booming serve has long been one of the most feared weapons on the WTA Tour. In 2025, it reached historic levels. During her semifinal win over Jessica Pegula at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Rybakina fired 15 aces, pushing her season total to 500 and counting. This achievement places her alongside Karolina Pliskova, who previously reached 517 aces in 2015 and 530 in 2016.
The Company She Keeps
Pliskova’s dominance from the service line was unmatched for nearly a decade. Between 2015 and 2021, she led the WTA in aces five times and peaked at world No. 1. Despite never capturing a Grand Slam title, her serve was a cornerstone of her success. Rybakina, by contrast, already owns a major title and is now proving she can match the Czech’s serving prowess.
Riyadh Breakthrough
Rybakina’s performance in Riyadh has been nothing short of commanding. After sweeping her group with a perfect 3-0 record, she overcame Pegula in a three-set battle, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Her serve was instrumental in turning the match around after a slow start.
“It was such a tough battle,” Rybakina said after the match. “It’s always very difficult to play against Jessica and she started pretty well. I was a bit slow. Again, it was very close.”
More Than Just Numbers
While the 500-ace mark is a statistical marvel, it also reflects Rybakina’s consistency and resilience throughout the season. Her ability to deliver under pressure, especially in tight matches, has elevated her status among the game’s elite. With the WTA Finals still underway, her tally is expected to grow, potentially challenging Pliskova’s single-season record of 530.
A New Era of Power
Rybakina’s rise signals a new chapter in women’s tennis, where power and precision from the service line are becoming increasingly decisive. As she continues to evolve her game, her serve remains the foundation of her success—one that now places her in rarefied air.
Rybakina in Riyadh, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.6, Rybakina has achieved an overall 58-19 match record in 2025. Rybakina ended her run in the round-robin after defeating Jessica Pegula 4-6 6-4 6-3.