Elena Rybakina triumphed at the WTA Finals for the first time – she defeated the world number one.
The former Wimbledon champion from Kazakhstan defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the final in Riyadh 6:3, 7:6 (7:0) and, as the undefeated tournament winner, was able to look forward to a record bonus of 5.23 million dollars (4.53 million euros).
Rybakina, who now ends the tennis year as number five in the world, followed in the footsteps of Coco Gauff (USA) at the second edition in Saudi Arabia. The defending champion was eliminated in the preliminary round after defeats against Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula (USA). US Open winner Sabalenka (Belarus) had to admit defeat, as she did in her first final appearance three years ago, and missed the 22nd tournament victory of her career.
Break in the first set – to zero
Sabalenka had won eight of the previous 13 matches, but it was Rybakina who managed the first break in the first round to make it 2:4 – to zero. Immediately afterwards, the 26-year-old fended off two break points and then won the first set. In the second round, the tiebreak had to bring the decision – and Rybakina scored her first match point after 1:47 hours.
Both finalists had fought their way into the final the day before. Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova (USA) 6:3, 3:6, 6:3 in the semifinals, Rybakina also needed three sets in her 4:6, 6:4, 6:3 win against the American Pegula.