The victory in Riyadh earned the Kazakhstani a record-breaking prize, 1,500 ranking points and the Barys Order from the country’s president.
Elena Rybakina became the champion of the WTA Finals held in Riyadh. In the final, the Kazakhstani tennis player confidently won against world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6:3, 7:6(0). This was Rybakina’s first career success at the final tournament of the season.
Details
This victory is historic not only for the athlete herself but for all of Kazakhstani tennis. Since the competition’s inception in 1972, Rybakina became the first woman from an Asian country to win the WTA Finals. Before her, China’s Li Na (2013) and Zheng Qinwen (2024) had only reached the final.
Records and achievements
For her victory in Riyadh, Rybakina earned 1,500 ranking points and a record-breaking prize in women’s tennis history – 5.2 million dollars. In the updated WTA rankings, which will be published on November 10, Elena will rise to the fifth place.
Furthermore, the Kazakhstani became the first female tennis player since 2016 to hit more than 500 aces in a season, and also leads the world in wins over top-10 opponents – seven in a row. She now has 11 WTA titles, including two at WTA 1000 tournaments and a victory at Wimbledon.
“It was an incredible week” – Bulat Utemuratov praised
During the awards ceremony, Elena Rybakina thanked her opponent, her team, and the fans, especially acknowledging the presence of Gennady Golovkin, who came to support her at the final.
“Thank you! It was an incredible week. I did not expect any particular result. To get this far is amazing. I want to congratulate Aryna on reaching the number one line in the rankings for the second year in a row – an incredible achievement. It was a tough game today, but that’s tennis!” said Elena Rybakina.
She thanked her team, coaches, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, and the organization’s president, Bulat Utemuratov, and expressed gratitude to her family and everyone who supports her career.
President’s reaction
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated Elena Rybakina on her brilliant victory and noted her contribution to the development of national sports.
“You demonstrated exceptional mastery and an unwavering will to win. I congratulate you on this magnificent achievement, which will remain in the history of Kazakhstani and world tennis,” the head of state said in his congratulatory message.
To celebrate her victory, Tokayev signed a decree awarding Elena Rybakina the Barys Order of 3rd Class.
What’s next
The victory in Riyadh was Rybakina’s 11th career victory, and it extended her winning streak to 11 consecutive matches. After a busy season, the tennis player is heading off on vacation – preparations for the new year will begin in 5-6 weeks.
Who is Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina is the number one ranked tennis player in Kazakhstan and one of the strongest tennis players in the world. Born in Moscow, she has been representing Kazakhstan since 2018. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, 2023 Australian Open finalist, and winner of 11 WTA titles, including two WTA 1000 tournaments, is known for her powerful serve, consistent play, and calm style on the court.
Source: BesMedia.kz
