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Elena Rybakina praises Ekaterina Alexandrova after winning the Ningbo Open final

Originally posted on HITC | By Lee Clarke | Last updated Oct 19, 2025 11:39 AM ET

Elena Rybakina has claimed the Ningbo Open title, keeping her WTA Finals hopes alive in the process.

After dropping the opening set to Ekaterina Alexandrova, Rybakina bounced back impressively, turning things around with some outstanding play to take the match in three.

The win puts Rybakina firmly in control of her own path to Riyadh, while Mirra Andreeva now faces an anxious wait to see if she’ll hold onto a spot in the top eight.

Andreeva left the court in tears during her earlier exit from Ningbo. With Rybakina climbing up the ranks, Andreeva’s spot is now at risk.

Alexandrova had spoken highly of Rybakina before their match, and after securing the title, Rybakina returned the compliment when speaking about her opponent.

Elena Rybakina speaks to Ekaterina Alexandrova after Ningbo Open final

Rybakina won Wimbledon in 2022, and there’s still some surprise that she hasn’t added another Grand Slam title to her name since then.

This year though, she’s picked up two titles, and following this latest win, Rybakina took a moment to congratulate Alexandrova for her role in what was an excellent final.

Photo by Wang He/Getty Images

She said: “I want to congratulate Ekaterina for a great week and great season. I wish you good luck in the next season… It hasn’t been an easy year for all of us… Difficult schedule. I wish you all the best for the next season.”

“Thank you to my team for always pushing me to be better. Especially the end of the season isn’t easy, but without you, I wouldn’t be here. Thanks again. Hopefully, we can push a little more next week.”

Ekaterina Alexandrova’s message to Rybakina after Ningbo Open final

Alexandrova has five titles to her name and will have to wait a bit longer before adding a sixth to her collection.

Even so, the match highlighted the mutual respect that exists across the game these days, with both players recognising each other’s efforts.

In her post-match comments, Alexandrova said: “I want to congratulate Elena for an amazing week and the amazing game she played today. Of course, her team on the great win and wish her luck for the end of the season and for the next year. Of course, I want to say thank you to my team who were with me this week. Without them, it would be really difficult at the end of the season. Thank you so much, guys.”

Sitting tenth in the world rankings after a strong campaign, Alexandrova will be looking to close out this year on a high note and build on that momentum heading into next season.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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