Elena Rybakina wins third title of the season in Stuttgart

Elena Rybakina captured her third Hologic WTA Tour title of the year on Sunday after defeating No.27 Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.

Playing in her fifth final of the season, Rybakina opened the match by breaking Kostyuk’s serve and never looked back. With efficient serving, the tour’s ace leader sealed the first set after just 30 minutes. She lost just one point behind her first serve (15 of 16) and did not face a break point. Rybakina won 30 points to Kostyuk’s 17.

“I always believe in myself, of course, but it’s not only depends on me,” Rybakina said. “There is a lot of great players, tough opponents. But I know if I feel fresh, if I’m physically ready, healthy, I’m playing my game, of course I have all the chances to win a Grand Slam on any surface.”

“I knew that I have to be focused from the beginning, and also, compare the match with Iga, it’s a lot different,” Rybakina said. “Marta is coming forward, trying to take the ball early. She moves well. But still, the speed is different, and I was focusing not to rush, also to try to open the angle.”

Stuttgart is Rybakina’s eighth career title and third on clay, following wins at 2023 Rome and 2019 Bucharest. The 24-year-old leaves Germany with the outright lead in titles this season, adding Stuttgart to a collection that includes Brisbane and Abu Dhabi. The victory over Kostyuk was her tour-leading 26th win of the season.