Kazakh tennis star Elena Rybakina concluded her 2024 season on a high note, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite her victory, Rybakina didn’t advance to the semifinals of the year-end event.

A Final Triumph Against the World’s Best

Ranked fifth globally, Moscow-born Rybakina secured a hard-fought win over Belarusian Sabalenka, prevailing 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in the tournament’s Purple Group. This marked her second victory over Sabalenka this season.

Before her final match, Rybakina struggled in the tournament, having lost to both Jasmine Paolini of Italy and Zheng Qinwen of China in her opening matches.

“I think today I served really well, especially in the third set,” Rybakina reflected. “I know I’m not at my best, and if I’d had more time and matches, things might have been different. But considering the circumstances, I’m happy with how I played overall.”

Physical Challenges and Changes in Coaching

The latter part of Rybakina’s season was marred by physical setbacks, hindering her progress despite a strong start earlier in the year. She also made a significant change, parting ways with her long-time coach, Stefano Vukov, whose intense style, though successful, drew criticism.

Looking ahead, Rybakina will team up with Goran Ivanisevic, the former coach of Novak Djokovic and a former Wimbledon champion himself.

“I’m really looking forward to this partnership,” Rybakina said. “He’s a great champion with so much experience.”