By Elena Rybakina showcased her power, precision, and poise as she stormed into the Ningbo Open final with a commanding straight-sets victory over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini on Friday. The Kazakh star produced a clinical performance, underlining why she remains one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour.
The former Wimbledon champion delivered an all-round masterclass, dismantling Paolini 6-2, 6-3 in just over an hour. From the very first game, Rybakina dictated play with her booming serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes, leaving the Italian struggling to find any rhythm.
A Ruthless Display from Rybakina
Rybakina entered the match determined to make a statement, and she wasted no time asserting her dominance. The 25-year-old broke Paolini’s serve early in the first set and never looked back, maintaining relentless pressure from the baseline. Her ability to mix power with precision proved too much for her opponent, who often found herself on the defensive.
The Kazakh’s first-serve percentage hovered above 70%, and she hit over 25 winners, including several blistering forehands that drew applause from the crowd. Paolini, known for her agility and fighting spirit, tried to extend rallies but found it difficult to cope with Rybakina’s pace and depth.
“It was a really solid match for me. I stayed focused from start to finish and served well when it mattered,” Rybakina said after the victory. “Jasmine is a great player, but I was able to control the points early, which made the difference.”
Paolini Fights But Falls Short
Despite the defeat, Jasmine Paolini showed flashes of her trademark resilience. The Italian No. 1, who has enjoyed a strong season on the WTA Tour, came into the semifinal full of confidence after a string of impressive wins. However, against an in-form Rybakina, she struggled to find the variety and consistency needed to turn the tide.
Paolini managed to break Rybakina’s serve once in the second set but couldn’t capitalize on the momentum. Unforced errors at crucial moments cost her dearly, and Rybakina quickly regained control to close out the match with authority.
“Elena was just too strong today,” Paolini admitted during her post-match interview. “She played aggressive tennis and didn’t give me many chances. Still, I’m happy with how I competed this week.”
Rybakina’s Road to the Final
The Ningbo Open 2025 has been a near-flawless campaign for Rybakina so far. She cruised through the earlier rounds without dropping a set, defeating several quality opponents along the way. Her performance this week signals a return to peak form after dealing with injury interruptions earlier in the season.
With this victory, Rybakina secures her spot in another WTA final, marking her third appearance in a tournament final this year. The Kazakh star continues to build momentum as she eyes more titles and valuable ranking points ahead of the year-end events.
A Chance for Another Title
In the Ningbo Open final, Rybakina will face either [insert finalist’s name once known] in what promises to be an exciting battle for the championship. With her serve clicking and confidence high, she will enter the match as the clear favorite.
Tennis analysts have praised Rybakina’s improved consistency and tactical awareness, highlighting her ability to blend raw power with calm decision-making under pressure. If she maintains this level, she could be unstoppable in the title match.
A Statement of Intent
Rybakina’s dominant run in Ningbo sends a strong message to her rivals as the season nears its conclusion. After enduring injuries and inconsistent results earlier in the year, the 2022 Wimbledon champion seems to have rediscovered her groove and competitive edge.
Fans and pundits alike believe that this version of Rybakina — confident, composed, and ruthless — can challenge anyone on tour. As she looks ahead to the final, her focus remains simple: stay aggressive, serve big, and finish the job.
Conclusion
With her straight-sets triumph over Jasmine Paolini, Elena Rybakina has booked her place in the Ningbo Open final in commanding fashion. Her blend of power, precision, and mental toughness has once again made her the player to beat.
As she prepares for the championship clash, Rybakina will aim to cap off a superb week in Ningbo with another WTA title — a fitting reward for her determination and world-class form.
