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Rybakina Rallies Past Pegula to Reach First WTA Finals Title Match

The Kazakh advances after a three-set comeback despite a taped shoulder, citing late-season fatigue.

Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 7, 2025 Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina in action during her semi final match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 7, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. in action during her semi final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 7, 2025 Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her semi final match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 7, 2025 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. reacts during her semi final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

Overview

  • Elena Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in Riyadh to book a place in the final against either Aryna Sabalenka or Amanda Anisimova.
  • Rybakina played with her shoulder taped after discomfort in warm‑up and has acknowledged feeling tired at the end of a long season.
  • The world No. 6 is unbeaten this week after a 3-0 round‑robin and has reached the WTA Finals championship match for the first time.
  • Reports differ on her current streak, with AFP listing 10 straight wins while others count nine completed matches excluding a Tokyo walkover.
  • Top seed Sabalenka swept her group and, if she remains undefeated through the final, could earn roughly $5.2 million in prize money, according to Tennis World USA.