Rybakina’s triumph marked a significant milestone in her career, as she has now firmly established herself among the elite in women’s tennis. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, the 25-year-old Kazakh executed her strategy flawlessly throughout the match, overpowering her opponent in just under two hours. Despite a competitive start, Sabalenka, the reigning world number one, struggled to find her rhythm and could not match Rybakina’s precision and consistency under pressure.
The first set was tightly contested, with both players holding serve in the opening games. However, Rybakina broke Sabalenka’s serve in the seventh game, a pivotal moment that allowed her to take the set 6-4. The second set saw Rybakina continue her dominance, displaying a near-perfect game. Sabalenka, while battling valiantly, was unable to recover, as Rybakina wrapped up the set 6-2 and the match.
Rybakina's victory came after a series of impressive performances earlier in the tournament, where she dispatched some of the biggest names in women’s tennis. Her ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments was a testament to her maturity and growth as a player. Her coach, former world number one coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, praised her mental toughness and focus, stating that Rybakina had all the tools to be a dominant force on the tour for years to come.
The win adds to Rybakina’s growing list of accolades, which already includes a Wimbledon title in 2022, further solidifying her place among the sport's elite. Her performance at the 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh is a significant achievement, not just for her but also for women’s tennis in Kazakhstan, as she becomes the first Kazakh player to win this prestigious event.
For Sabalenka, the defeat marked a bitter end to an otherwise stellar season, but her consistency throughout the year earned her the world number one ranking. Despite falling short in the final, Sabalenka’s presence in the title match reinforced her position as one of the game’s most powerful and resilient players. She will no doubt regroup and look forward to continuing her dominance on the WTA Tour in the upcoming seasons.
Meanwhile, the doubles competition saw Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens make history, winning their second WTA Finals doubles title together. The duo’s seamless chemistry and tactical understanding allowed them to claim the title with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win over the top-seeded pair. Kudermetova and Mertens’ victory showcased their exceptional partnership and marked another milestone in their successful doubles careers.
The 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh, presented by PIF, was a significant event for the Saudi Tennis Federation, which is determined to elevate tennis in the region. As part of its broader strategy to inspire more people to engage in tennis, the Federation has been working tirelessly to bring world-class events to Saudi Arabia. The WTA Finals were the culmination of years of effort to develop the sport within the Kingdom, and the success of the tournament has undoubtedly created a lasting impact on the region's tennis culture.
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