Tennis

Elena Rybakina Sets Up Ningbo Open Final Clash Against Leylah Fernandez

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 24, 2026, 21:32 IST

Top-seeded Elena Rybakina secured her place in the Ningbo Open final after a straight-sets victory over Diana Shnaider. She will now compete against Leylah Fernandez for the championship title.

Elena Rybakina Sets Up Ningbo Open Final Clash Against Leylah Fernandez

Top-seeded Elena Rybakina has successfully navigated her way back to the Ningbo Open final after a hard-fought victory over Diana Shnaider on Saturday. The world-class performer secured a 6-3, 7-5 win, setting the stage for a championship showdown against Leylah Fernandez.

The semifinal encounter proved to be a test of patience and composure for both competitors. While Rybakina managed to strike six aces throughout the match, the contest was marked by inconsistent serving from both sides of the net, resulting in a combined total of 11 double-faults. The opening set was particularly demanding, requiring Rybakina to navigate through 11 set points before finally claiming the advantage.

A Battle for the Title

Reflecting on the intensity of the opening set, Rybakina acknowledged the difficulty of the match. She noted that it was a significant game that spanned a considerable amount of time. The 27-year-old admitted that her serve was a point of struggle throughout the contest, despite the numerous opportunities that presented themselves. Ultimately, she expressed satisfaction that the momentum shifted in her favor during the critical moments.

Standing in her way of the title is Leylah Fernandez, who earned her spot in the final by defeating Marie Bouzkova with an identical 6-3, 7-5 scoreline. This upcoming final marks the 28th time Rybakina has reached the championship round of a singles tournament in her career. With 14 career singles titles already to her name—a tally that includes her victories at both the Australian Open and the US Open this year—Rybakina enters the final with significant momentum.

The head-to-head record between the two finalists currently sits at 3-2 in favor of Rybakina. As she prepares for the final, the focus remains on maintaining her form and overcoming the serving challenges that defined her semifinal performance.