Elena Rybakina admits she didn't have many expectations going into the WTA Finals, but it ended in a dream run for the Kazakh tennis star.
After losing early at the WTA 1000 tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan, Rybakina was pretty much a long shot to make the WTA Finals. But with a triumphant Ningbo campaign and a Tokyo semifinal run - and due to Mirra Andreeva's poor form throughout the Asian swing - the Kazakh pulled off a little miracle and clinched the last WTA Finals spot.
Prior to this year, Rybakina had never made it past the WTA Finals group stage - she posted 1-2 records during her 2023 and 2024 campaigns at the season-ending tournament. But this year, she went unbeaten after triumphing against Amanda Anisimova, Iga Swiatek, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Jessica Pegula, and Aryna Sabalenka in the final 6-3 7-6 (0).
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Rybakina: I came last and without expectations... I was already thinking about vacation
I came last and without expectations. I was playing in Asia and thought, OK, if it doesnt go my way, I go on vacation early. And then I came till the end. Its an incredible achievement," the 26-year-old admitted afterward.
Rybakina's WTA Finals victory also comes with a $5.2 million prize money and a 1,500-ranking point reward. The Kazakh - who came to Riyadh sitting at No. 6 in the rankings - will improve to No. 5 on Monday.
It was an amazing atmosphere to play here. Ive really enjoyed it its my second year in a row and its just so special to be back. Thank you to the Saudi Tennis Federation, the Minister of Sport, and everyone who made this tournament possible," the Kazakh tennis star stated.
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After finishing her 2025 season on a high note, Rybakina will certainly look to do better in Grand Slams next year and bounce back from poor Slam results posted this season.
