Rybakina retains Ningbo title and claims a new first
NINGBO — Elena Rybakina defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 6-2 on Sunday, 25 October, to retain her Ningbo Open crown and claim her first title since becoming world number one. The victory gave the Kazakh her fourth trophy of the season and 15th career title, strengthening her challenge to finish the year atop the rankings.
Fernandez unable to break through
Rybakina protected her serve throughout the final, saving all four break points she faced. Fernandez held only four of her eight service games, with the defending champion converting four of five break opportunities to control the contest.
The Canadian had reached the final by beating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5, while Rybakina overcame Diana Shnaider by the same score. Sunday’s result denied Fernandez another title during the Asian swing following her Singapore success.
Momentum before the season finale
Ningbo provided a timely recovery for Rybakina after an early exit in Beijing and a foot injury that forced her to withdraw from Wuhan. Her title defence also gave her competitive court time ahead of the closing events of the season.
Rybakina is scheduled to compete next at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo before defending her WTA Finals crown. The season-ending tournament begins on 8 November in Indian Wells, where she will seek to carry her Ningbo form into a field drawn from the year’s leading players.
Anyone with additional information can contact the press desk at press@townpress.co.za or drop a tip.