Elena Rybakina landed in Riyadh for the 2025 WTA Finals after a packed October filled with matches and media events. Though jet-lagged, she arrived match-sharp. That edge became her greatest asset as she tore through the tournament draw with precision and power.
She opened with a decisive win over Amanda Anisimova. Then came a dominant performance against Iga Swiatek, where Rybakina won the final two sets 6-1, 6-0. In the semifinals, she faced Jessica Pegula and dropped the first set, but rallied to win in three, showing resilience and tactical clarity.
The Final Showdown: Rybakina vs. Sabalenka
In the championship match, Rybakina faced Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and reigning world No. 1. Sabalenka is known for her brute strength and often says no one can overpower her. But Rybakina proved otherwise.
The final score was 6-3, 7-6(0), but the statistics revealed a more dominant display. Rybakina hit 13 aces, won 10 of 12 net points, and led the winner count 36 to 12. She wasn’t broken once and played a flawless second-set tiebreaker.
Mental Fortitude Under Pressure
Even with a 6-0 lead in the tiebreak, Rybakina stayed mentally locked in.
“I was trying to stay very focused,” Rybakina said after the match. “I think even in the tiebreak, only when I heard the ‘game, set, match,’ then I realized that the match is finished, because I had also experience being, being up in the tiebreak and losing it. So honestly, I was just focusing really.”
Her discipline and experience were evident in every point she played.
A Career-Defining Victory
Rybakina’s win in Riyadh marked her first WTA Finals title and the biggest payday of her career, earning $5.235 million. She went undefeated throughout the event, defeating four top-10 players in five matches.
“It’s been an incredible week. I honestly didn’t expect any result and to go so far is just incredible,” she said in her post-match interview.
Her performance not only capped off a remarkable season but also solidified her status as one of the most formidable players in women’s tennis.
Aryna Sabalenka in 2025
Currently the world no.1, Sabalenka played her last match on the 8th of November when she surrendered to world no.6 Elena Rybakina 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh (draw).
Currently, during this year Sabalenka achieved a compiled 63-12 win-loss record. Aryna clinched 4 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami, Madrid and U.S. Open. Sabalenka got to the final at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart, French Open and Riyadh.
Elena Rybakina in 2025
Currently ranked no.6, Rybakina played her last match on the 8th of November when she overcame world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3 7-6(0) in the final in Riyadh to win her 11th career title.
This year the Kazakhstani has a composed 59-19 record. The Kazakhstani clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Strasbourg, Ningbo and Riyadh.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina faced off 14 times. Their head to head is 8-6 for Sabalenka.