The 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh are heating up, and one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the group stage is between Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina and World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion and one of the sport’s most formidable talents, has made it clear that despite a rocky start to the tournament, she intends to put up a fierce fight against the Belarusian powerhouse in their final round-robin match.
### Rybakina’s Rocky Start at the WTA Finals
The WTA Finals, known for its high stakes and intense competition, hasn’t been kind to Elena Rybakina so far. After a disappointing opening loss to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, where she fell 7-6(5), 6-4, Rybakina faced another narrow defeat in her second match against China’s Zheng Qinwen. The match, which ended 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-1 in favor of Zheng, left Rybakina with no chance of advancing to the semifinals, but it didn’t deter her determination.
In a candid post-match interview, Rybakina reflected on her performance, acknowledging the missed opportunities that ultimately cost her. The Kazakh seemed to take solace in her resilience, despite the physical exhaustion that caught up with her in the final set. “Yeah, today was a longer match and I think I had some chances also in the first set,” Rybakina explained. “I was always down, but then in the tiebreak, just a couple of better points and then it would’ve been easier. But overall, I played again from beginning till the end this tough match, three sets.”
Rybakina admitted that by the third set, she was physically drained and didn’t feel her best, but she remained positive. “Not the result I wanted, of course, and definitely in the third set, physically I was already very tired and didn’t feel the greatest. But overall, it’s a good one for me,” she said. Despite the losses, Rybakina’s performance showed her fighting spirit, a characteristic that will certainly come into play in her next match against Sabalenka.
### Motivated for the Showdown with Sabalenka
With no chance of progressing to the semifinals, Rybakina’s focus now shifts to one final challenge: facing off against World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka. While Rybakina’s tournament has been a disappointment thus far, she is determined to test herself against one of the sport’s best players. “She’s been playing really well this year and she has a lot of confidence, and it’s going to be a difficult one definitely,” Rybakina said about Sabalenka. “But I feel that even today I played better than the last match, so hopefully against her I can try to push myself a little bit more and we see how it goes.”
Although Rybakina acknowledged Sabalenka’s exceptional form this season, she made it clear that her goal is to make things difficult for the Belarusian. “She’s No. 1 now, so I want to enjoy and make it a bit difficult for her too,” she said with resolve. For Rybakina, it’s all about pushing her limits and leaving her mark, despite the fact that she won’t be advancing to the next stage of the tournament.
### Aryna Sabalenka’s Pursuit of Year-End No. 1
On the flip side, Sabalenka enters the match with a different kind of pressure—she has already secured her place in the semifinals of the 2024 WTA Finals, but her aim is to complete a perfect group-stage campaign with a 3-0 record. This would allow her to seal the year-end No. 1 ranking, a first in her career. After her convincing 6-3, 7-5 win over Jasmine Paolini, Sabalenka made it clear that she would not ease up in her final group match, despite already having qualified for the semifinals.
For Sabalenka, it’s all about finishing strong and ensuring that her points tally is enough to secure the top spot in the world rankings. “Well, it’s definitely tricky, but you know, we’re chasing here number one so I’m gonna just keep that in mind, and I want to go for all of the points possible,” Sabalenka said after her win over Paolini. “That’s my motivation right now, and yeah, advancement.” Sabalenka’s determination to maintain her intensity through the group stage is clear; she is focused on not just advancing but securing her position as the year-end No. 1.
### Head-to-Head: Rybakina vs. Sabalenka
Rybakina and Sabalenka have faced off numerous times in the past, and their rivalry has been one of the most exciting on the WTA Tour in recent years. Sabalenka currently leads their head-to-head 6-3, but the Kazakh has had her moments, including a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory in the Brisbane International final earlier this year. However, Sabalenka got her revenge at the Madrid Open, where she triumphed in a hard-fought 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) semifinal victory.
Both players have had their share of highs and lows against each other, and their match at the 2024 WTA Finals promises to be yet another thrilling contest. Rybakina will be looking to avenge her earlier losses and challenge Sabalenka’s dominance, while the Belarusian will be aiming to maintain her undefeated streak in Riyadh and secure the coveted No. 1 spot for the year.
### Sabalenka’s Unstoppable Form
Sabalenka’s run to the semifinals in Riyadh has been impressive, as she has yet to drop a set. Her 6-3, 7-5 win over Paolini showcased her powerful game and mental toughness, which have been key to her rise to the top of the WTA rankings. The 26-year-old has had a standout 2024 season, claiming several titles and proving herself as one of the most consistent and dominant players in the game.
Despite the pressure of the World No. 1 ranking on the line, Sabalenka has shown no signs of wavering in her pursuit of excellence. She remains focused on her ultimate goal of finishing the year as the top-ranked player in the world, and Rybakina’s challenge will be just one more hurdle in her path.
### The Stakes in Riyadh
For Rybakina, the final round-robin match against Sabalenka is a chance to test her abilities against the World No. 1. While the Kazakh won’t be advancing to the semifinals, she will certainly be looking to end her campaign on a high note and make a statement. Her motivation is clear: to enjoy the match, push herself to new limits, and make life as difficult as possible for Sabalenka.
For Sabalenka, the stakes are higher. A victory against Rybakina would not only give her a perfect 3-0 record in the group stage but would also ensure that she finishes the year as the top-ranked player in the world for the first time in her career. The pressure is on, but Sabalenka has shown time and again that she thrives under it.
As the WTA Finals continue in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the matchup between these two powerhouses. Will Rybakina rise to the challenge and pull off an upset, or will Sabalenka continue her dominant run and seal her place at the top of the rankings? One thing is certain: their showdown promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the group stage.