Elena Rybakina finished her 2024 season on a high note by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Rybakina won 6-4 3-6 6-1 in her final round-robin match, a result that came after two earlier losses in the group stage to Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng.
While the former World No.3 knew she was already eliminated from semifinal contention, her victory over Sabalenka marked a significant upset, as she handed Sabalenka her first loss since becoming the world No. 1. Throughout the 2024 season, Rybakina has enjoyed an impressive run, winning the Stuttgart Open, Abu Dhabi Open, and Brisbane International, and boasting a 42-11 win-loss record. Despite the loss, Sabalenka had already secured her spot in the semifinals, having won earlier group-stage matches against Paolini and Zheng.
Overview of the Match: Rybakina vs Sabalenka
The match was a tough contest. Rybakina broke Sabalenka five times out of seven opportunities, while the three-time Grand Slam Champion only converted three of her seven breakpoints. The Kazakh also dominated in receiving points, winning 31 to Sabalenka’s 22. Rybakina is one of just four players to have secured six or more wins against world No. 1-ranked players over a two-season span.
Elena Rybakina capped off her 2024 season with a remarkable victory over Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, in their final round-robin match at the WTA Finals in Riyadh. In a thrilling three-set battle, Rybakina triumphed with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 6-1. While the victory had no impact on her advancement, as she was already eliminated from the semifinals following earlier losses to Jasmine Paolini and Qinwen Zheng, Rybakina’s win was nonetheless a statement. The match showed her resilience, as she took down Sabalenka in what was a meaningful upset, given that Sabalenka had not lost a match since taking over the world No. 1 ranking.
Context of the 2024 WTA Finals and Rybakina’s Season
The 2024 WTA Finals brought together the top-performing players from the season, competing in a round-robin format for a place in the semifinals. The competition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an exciting new location for the WTA Finals and a symbolic step towards the growing popularity of women’s tennis in regions that have traditionally not hosted such events. For Rybakina, the Finals marked the conclusion of a season filled with notable accomplishments, including titles at the Stuttgart Open, the Abu Dhabi Open, and the Brisbane International, which contributed to her impressive 42-11 win-loss record for the year.
Despite her success, Rybakina had a challenging path at the WTA Finals. Losses in her first two group-stage matches meant that her showdown with Sabalenka would be her last of the season. Though already out of semifinal contention, Rybakina played with fierce determination, demonstrating the competitive spirit that has become her hallmark. The win over Sabalenka marked Rybakina’s sixth career victory over a world No. 1 player, a testament to her ability to perform under high-st