WTA Finals: Rybakina beats Sabalenka, reach semi-finals in Ryhadh

Elena Rybakina capped off her season by defeating No.1 Aryna Sabalenka for the second time this season on Wednesday at the WTA finals.

The 25-year-old Kazakhstan’s player who is ranked at World No.5 and 2022 Wimbledon champion notched a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win in the final match of the Purple Group in Riyadh.

“It was a tough match,” Elena Rybakina after beating Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.

“I’m really happy I managed to win. It’s nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world #1. She has all the chances to win also. Good luck to her. I’m just happy. Thank you so much guys for the support.”

“Every match I played here was a bit better. It’s not easy after such a long break. Today I served really well. From both sides we made mistakes, sometimes it was lucky for me. Overall I think it was a good one for me. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere. Thanks again for all the support.”

With her 6-4 3-6 6-1 victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals today, Elena Rybakina has now won SIX of her last EIGHT matches against reigning World No. 1s.

Rybakina finishes her Riyadh campaign with a 1-2 record. Sabalenka, already confirmed as the group winner, will advance to Friday’s semifinals to face the No.2 qualifier out of the Orange Group.