Elena Rybakina had a clear message for Aryna Sabalenka before their encounter at the 2024 WTA Finals in Riyadh: she wasn’t going to go down without a fight. True to her word, the 2022 Wimbledon champion delivered a brilliant performance, defeating the newly crowned world No. 1 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 in a thrilling contest. Although Rybakina entered the match already eliminated from semifinal contention after two losses in the round-robin stage, her determination to make life difficult for Sabalenka was evident from the very first point.
Heading into the match, Sabalenka was the clear favorite. The Belarusian had already secured her place in the semifinals with two wins in her first two matches, while Rybakina, with a 0-2 record, had no chance of progressing. But despite her lack of progression, Rybakina remained focused and determined to leave her mark on the tournament, particularly against the woman who had clinched the world No. 1 ranking after a stellar year.
### **A Rollercoaster First Set: Rybakina’s Comeback**
The match started with a series of momentum swings that left both players struggling for consistency. Rybakina, who had been dealing with some issues in her earlier matches, began with a solid break to go 1-0 up. But Sabalenka responded with typical aggression, breaking back immediately and then surging ahead 3-1. The first set, filled with drama and unpredictable shifts, saw five breaks of serve in total. Sabalenka’s early lead was short-lived as Rybakina found her rhythm.
In a turn of events, Rybakina claimed back-to-back breaks in the fifth and ninth games, showing the resilience and composure she has been known for throughout her career. The Kazakh star, known for her powerful serve and striking groundstrokes, played intelligently, using her variety to keep Sabalenka on her toes. By the end of the set, Rybakina had turned the tables and was 6-4 up, much to the surprise of many, as Sabalenka’s consistency faltered at critical moments.
### **Sabalenka Responds: Taking the Second Set**
The second set started off much calmer compared to the chaotic first. Neither player faced a break point in the first seven games as both served well and kept their shots in play. But the tension began to mount in the eighth game, which lasted over 10 minutes. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive return game, finally took advantage of her fourth break point opportunity to secure a 5-3 lead. Rybakina had no answer, and Sabalenka closed out the second set 6-3, leveling the match and seemingly gaining control.
Despite the set loss, Rybakina refused to give up. The world No. 5 was determined not to let Sabalenka complete her comeback, and that resolve paid off in the final set.
### **Rybakina’s Dominance in the Third Set: A Statement Win**
What followed was a masterclass from Rybakina in the deciding set. After the first game of the third set, which saw both players holding serve, Rybakina won five consecutive games in an impressive show of power and precision. Sabalenka, who had been playing with confidence all week, was unable to cope with Rybakina’s pace and control, and the Kazakh wrapped up the set 6-1. It was a brilliant response after dropping the second set and showed the full range of Rybakina’s skills, from her serving to her groundstrokes and mental toughness.
With the victory, Rybakina secured one of the biggest wins of her season and made sure that Sabalenka knew she would not give up without a fight. The final scoreline—6-4, 3-6, 6-1—was a reflection of the tension-filled match, where both players had their moments but Rybakina ultimately came out on top with a commanding performance in the decider.
### **Rybakina’s Pre-Match Confidence: A Clear Message to Sabalenka**
Before the match, Rybakina had made it clear she wasn’t intimidated by Sabalenka’s rise to the top of the rankings. Despite already being out of contention for the semifinals, Rybakina was determined to make it a difficult match for the Australian Open and US Open champion.
“She’s been playing really well this year and has a lot of confidence,” Rybakina said, acknowledging Sabalenka’s remarkable year. “It’s going to be a difficult one, definitely. But I feel that even today I played better than the last match, so hopefully against her I can push myself a little bit more and see how it goes. She’s No. 1 now, so I want to enjoy and make it a bit difficult for her too.”
It was clear that Rybakina, despite being mathematically eliminated from the semifinals, was not taking the match lightly. Her words were a statement of intent, and she backed them up with one of the best performances of her season.
### **A Memorable Year for Rybakina: Looking Ahead to 2025**
While the victory did not affect Rybakina’s standing in the tournament, it was an important psychological win for the 25-year-old. Rybakina’s 2024 season has been filled with impressive moments, including strong showings at Wimbledon, the US Open, and other major events. Her win over Sabalenka in Riyadh was a reminder of her immense potential and why she remains one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour.
For Sabalenka, the loss didn’t affect her overall standing in the tournament, but it did serve as a reminder that no match is ever won on paper, and Rybakina’s victory was a significant one in the context of their rivalry.
Looking ahead, both players will continue to dominate the women’s game, and their rivalry will likely be one of the key storylines heading into the 2025 season. For Rybakina, finishing the year with a win over the newly crowned world No. 1 serves as a perfect foundation for her preparations for next season.
In the end, while Rybakina’s 2024 WTA Finals journey may have been short-lived in terms of progression, her victory over Sabalenka will certainly be one of the highlights of her season. For Sabalenka, meanwhile, the road to 2025 remains filled with opportunities, but the rivalry between these two players promises to continue to captivate tennis fans for years to come.