Elena Rybakina won the Ningbo Open by defeating Leylah Fernandez. This victory marks her first trophy as the world's top-ranked tennis player.
Elena Rybakina defeated Leylah Fernandez in the Ningbo Open final. She won the match in two quick sets of 6-2 and 6-2.
Also, this victory marks her first trophy since becoming the world number one. She now enters the upcoming WTA Finals with great momentum.
Next, this win helps Rybakina secure the year-end top ranking. She has enjoyed a fantastic season on the court this year.
Rybakina previously won the Australian Open and the US Open titles. These wins helped her reach the top of the tennis rankings.
Meanwhile, the final match lasted only 38 minutes for the first set. Rybakina used her powerful shots to break through in the fifth game.
She hit a strong backhand winner to take a 4-2 lead. The top seed controlled the pace of the game from the start.
However, Fernandez played well at the start of the second set. Rybakina soon absorbed this pressure and forced her opponent to make errors.
After that, the champion broke serve to move ahead 2-1. She cruised to victory during the rest of the second set.
This win provides a boost after recent losses in Beijing and Wuhan. Rybakina now looks forward to competing in the Pan Pacific Open.
Finally, she will defend her title at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The season finale begins on November 8.