“Everybody feels the same”: Unbeaten Elena Rybakina details physical toll after sealing WTA Finals semifinal berth

Elena Rybakina’s serve was once again untouchable — and this time, she explained exactly why. After booking her place in the WTA Finals semifinals with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Ekaterina Alexandrova, the Kazakh star reflected on the physical toll of a long season and the mechanics behind her signature shot. “For me, it’s important — of course — the timing and the toss. If the toss is even a little bit wrong, then the whole movement doesn’t really work,” she said. “I try to push with the legs, not only with the arm, and when everything comes together, it’s perfect.”

The Russian, Alexandrova, came onto the court at the last minute after the withdrawal of Madison Keys — who was already mathematically eliminated. While Mirra Andreeva was the first alternate, the teenager opted not to take the court, and the world No. 10 Alexandrova stepped in to play a match that was more symbolic than truly relevant in these Finals.

The first set offered glimpses of danger from Alexandrova, who pushed Rybakina to the limit early on. But the World No. 6 held her composure in key moments, saving break points and converting her own when it mattered most to take the opener 6-4. From there, her rhythm grew stronger as she relied on her precision and pace to dictate rallies. Alexandrova fought back late in the second set, but Rybakina closed it out 6-4 to stay perfect in Riyadh.

After the match, the 2022 Wimbledon champion admitted that her body is feeling the effects of a long season but made it clear she’s not slowing down. “Of course, I’m a little bit tired, but I think everybody feels the same,” Rybakina said. “The season has been long, but everyone is going to try to push no matter what. It’s really the last few matches left, so you try your best.”

Rybakina’s serving power has long been one of her biggest assets, but her control under pressure has defined her progress in this year’s WTA Finals. Her ability to keep calm in tight moments — particularly when Alexandrova looked poised to break back — once again stood out. The Kazakh’s measured aggression and clinical finishing are what have allowed her to thrive even after a physically draining season.

Her path to the semifinals also benefited from her relentless consistency. With Madison Keys withdrawing from the tournament due to injury, Alexandrova entered the match without any mathematical chance of qualifying. Still, Rybakina approached the encounter with the same intensity as her previous matches, treating every point as an opportunity to sharpen her game heading into the knockout stages.

“When you get this far into the season, recovery becomes just as important as the tennis itself,” Rybakina said. “I’m just trying to stay healthy, recover well, and do my best in the next one.” Her matter-of-fact tone reflected her characteristic calm — an emotional steadiness that has become her trademark, both in victory and defeat.

The semifinal berth marks another milestone in a year of remarkable progress for the 25-year-old, who has battled through long stretches of competition while maintaining her top-five ranking. With one day off before the semis, she’ll have the rare chance to rest — something she admitted she’s looking forward to. “For now, I have one day off, so hopefully that helps,” she smiled. “I’ll try to do my best as always.”

The Kazakh concludes her participation in the Round Robin with a perfect campaign and her first classification to the semifinals of the WTA Finals — after having been eliminated in the Round Robin in 2023 and 2024. The former Wimbledon champion awaits to find out her opponent, who will be the second qualifier from Group Steffi Graf which will be decided this Thursday. For the moment, Coco Gauff is the one occupying the second place.