Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan has crowned an extraordinary week in Riyadh by clinching the prestigious WTA Finals singles title. In a commanding performance, she defeated World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with a final score of 6-3, 7-6 (7/0).
This victory marks Rybakina’s biggest triumph since lifting the Wimbledon trophy in 2022. It also etches her name into tennis history as the first player from Kazakhstan, and the first representing an Asian country, to claim the coveted year-end championship.
Rybakina’s Dominant Ascent to the WTA Finals Crown
The 26-year-old Kazakh, ranked sixth in the world, showcased her signature serving prowess and unwavering resolve throughout the tournament. Her historic win not only secured the WTA Finals trophy but also a record-breaking $5.235 million prize money.
This stellar performance also guaranteed her a year-end ranking of world number five, reflecting her consistent excellence on tour. Despite battling a shoulder injury, Rybakina powered through, demonstrating incredible resilience.
“It’s been an incredible week, I honestly didn’t expect any result, and to go so far, it’s just incredible,” Rybakina commented after her victory. Her humility underscored the magnitude of her achievement.
Rybakina, already the tour’s ace leader this season, added 13 more aces in the final, bringing her total for the Riyadh event to an impressive 48. She had entered the event as the last qualifier, securing her spot after wins in Ningbo and reaching the Tokyo semi-finals.
Match Breakdown: A Strategic Victory Over the World No. 1
The final against Aryna Sabalenka marked their 14th career meeting. Early exchanges saw both players trading heavy groundstrokes, but Rybakina’s sharp defence led to a crucial break in the sixth game.
This decisive move allowed her to secure the opening set in just 44 minutes. Her serve remained a formidable weapon in the second set, where she lost only two points in her first four service games.
Despite Sabalenka saving four break points and earning two set points at 5-4, Rybakina held firm, forcing a tiebreak. The decider then turned into a one-sided affair, with Rybakina sweeping all seven points to close out the contest in one hour and 47 minutes.
She finished the match with a remarkable 36 winners against just 22 unforced errors, highlighting her precision and aggressive play under pressure.
Sabalenka’s Record-Breaking Season, Despite the Riyadh Loss
While the final outcome wasn’t what World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka desired, her season was nothing short of historic. She set a new WTA Tour record for the most prize money earned by a player in a single season.
Sabalenka’s incredible year amassed a staggering $15,008,519 (approximately Rs 133 crore). This achievement surpassed the previous record of $12,385,572 set by tennis legend Serena Williams in 2013.
Despite the disappointment of the final, Sabalenka displayed immense sportsmanship. “Not the best performance from me but Elena, you were definitely a better player today. You literally smashed me out of the court,” she graciously admitted, fighting back tears.
Unseen Drama: Rybakina’s Post-Match Stance
The immediate aftermath of the final brought an unexpected turn when Elena Rybakina declined to join Sabalenka and WTA CEO Portia Archer for the traditional ceremonial photo.
When asked about her decision, Rybakina stated she preferred to “keep the reason between her and the WTA chief.” This incident hinted at an ongoing tense relationship between Rybakina and the tour, potentially stemming from the suspension of her coach Stefano Vukov earlier in the year.
“I think we’re all doing our job and we had the opportunity to have conversations but in the end it never happened,” she commented, shedding some light on her frustrations.
Key Takeaways from the WTA Finals 2024
- Elena Rybakina’s Historic Victory: A career-defining win that saw her become the first player from Kazakhstan and an Asian country to lift the WTA Finals trophy.
- Serving Masterclass: Rybakina’s exceptional serve was a cornerstone of her success, culminating in 13 aces in the final and 48 overall for the tournament.
- Sabalenka’s Financial Record: Despite the loss, Aryna Sabalenka secured the highest prize money ever earned by a player in a single WTA Tour season, surpassing Serena Williams’ record.
- Lingering Tensions: Rybakina’s refusal of the ceremonial photo highlighted underlying issues between her and the WTA, adding a layer of off-court drama to the event.
- A Glimpse into the Future: The tournament showcased the incredible talent at the top of women’s tennis, promising an exciting and competitive future for the sport.
Conclusion: A Memorable End to the WTA Season
The WTA Finals in Riyadh delivered a thrilling and memorable conclusion to the women’s tennis season. Elena Rybakina’s triumphant performance was undoubtedly the highlight, marking a significant milestone in her career and for her country.
Her historic victory, coupled with Aryna Sabalenka’s record-breaking financial year, created a compelling narrative. Beyond the impressive athleticism, the tournament also offered glimpses into the complex dynamics within professional tennis.
As Rybakina celebrates her well-deserved title, fans eagerly anticipate what the next season will bring for these exceptional athletes and the evolving landscape of the WTA Tour.