Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rybakina Rallies to Win Ningbo, Now One Tokyo Semi From WTA Finals

The comeback title means a Tokyo semi-final next week would clinch the final WTA Finals berth following Andreeva’s decision to skip the event.

Tennis - WTA 500 - Ningbo Open - Yinzhou Tennis Center, Ningbo, China - October 19, 2025 Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova in action during the final against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Tennis - WTA 500 - Ningbo Open - Yinzhou Tennis Center, Ningbo, China - October 18, 2025 Italy's Jasmine Paolini in action during the semi final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Tennis - WTA 500 - Ningbo Open - Yinzhou Tennis Center, Ningbo, China - October 18, 2025 Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina reacts during the semi final match against Italy's Jasmine Paolini REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Tennis - WTA 500 - Ningbo Open - Yinzhou Tennis Center, Ningbo, China - October 19, 2025 Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina reacts after winning the second set during the final against Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Overview

  • Elena Rybakina defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 to claim the Ningbo Open, her 10th career title and second of 2025.
  • She dominated the final’s closing stages, striking 39 winners with 11 aces and winning 88% of first-serve points.
  • With the Ningbo triumph, Rybakina needs to reach the semi-finals at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo to overtake Mirra Andreeva for the last Finals spot.
  • Jasmine Paolini has secured her place in Riyadh after Andreeva elected not to play next week, leaving Rybakina’s fate in her own hands.
  • Rybakina’s run included a 6-3, 6-2 semi-final win over Paolini in a direct points battle, and she holds a first-round bye in Tokyo.