Elena Rybakina Blazes Past Paolini to Book Spot in Ningbo Final, Strengthening WTA Finals Hopes
Elena Rybakina has once again shown why she remains one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour.
The Kazakh hustler stormed into the Ningbo Open final on Saturday, dispatching Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 6- 3, 6- 2 in a commanding semi-final performance.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion, seeded third in the event, displayed her trademark perfection and countenance throughout the match, a palm that not only sends her into Sunday’s final but also tightens her grip on an implicit situation at the coming month’s WTA Tests in Riyadh.
NINGBO FINAL
Elena Rybakina fires past Paolini in an emphatic victory #NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/sAuCpfLA4d
— wta (@WTA) October 18, 2025
Rybakina broke Paolini at 5-3 in the opening set and never looked back. Her serving was grim: 10 aces, 30 winners, and just over an hour and a half of pure dominance.
The Italian, seeded second, fought hard beforehand on, but Rybakina’s power and thickness proved too important to handle formerly she set up her meter.
Elena Rybakina is firing #NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/k5U0BvXDBk
— wta (@WTA) October 18, 2025
At 2- 2 in the alternate set, the drift turned. Rybakina broke serve to edge ahead 3- 2 and also reeled off the coming three games with ruthless effectiveness, belting up the match in just one hour and 29 minutes.
“I knew the match would be very tough,” Rybakina said afterward, still calm despite her emphatic win.
“Jasmine played really well this season. She’s a really tough opponent. I knew I’d need to bring my best. I’m happy I stayed focused until the end ,and I won it in straight sets.
“I’m very excited. I’ll try to bring my best (in the final). Let’s see what’s going to happen.”
That quiet determination has defined Rybakina’s crusade this season. She’s had her share of injury lapses and scheduling struggles, yet when she’s on court, her position speaks volumes.
The Kazakh star now chases her 10th WTA Tour- position mates title. On Sunday, she’ll face the winner of each semi-final between Diana Shnaider and Ekaterina Alexandrova.
For Rybakina, the Ningbo crown isn’t just about flatware; it’s a pivotal boost to her WTA Tests qualification shot. Only two spots remain for the season-ending event, where the world’s best gather in Saudi Arabia from 1 – 8 November.
Despite her loss, Paolini’s expedients remain alive. The Italian, who reached both the French Open and Wimbledon tests last time, continues to fight for one of the last remaining tickets to Riyadh.
With Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys having formerly qualified, the battle for the final two places promises drama until the very end.
There’s a sense that Elena Rybakina is rediscovering her stylish tennis. Her timing, her poise, her raw serving power, each in perfect sync in Ningbo.
It’s the kind of form that sends a clear communication to the field; she’s not just playing to qualify. She’s playing to win.
And if she carries this instigation into the final and beyond, many will want to stand across the net from her.