“I thought, ‘OK, if it doesn’t go my way, I go on vacation earlier’”: Elena Rybakina on her unexpected WTA Finals triumph

Elena Rybakina crowned a sensational season end by winning the WTA Finals in Riyadh, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6–3, 7–6(0) to claim the biggest title for her since 2022 Wimbledon. “It’s been an incredible week,” aseguró la kazaja. “I honestly didn’t expect any result or to go this far. It’s just incredible.

The 26-year-old star, who arrived at the Finals without expectations, ended up lifting the trophy after an immaculate campaign—her third title of the season and a flawless run through four Top-5 opponents. Rybakina’s triumph also extended her winning streak to 11 consecutive matches, marking her first championship at the prestigious year-end event and finishing the season as World No. 5.

What made this win even more striking was her mindset. Rybakina admitted she had arrived thinking more about an early vacation than a title run. “I came last and without expectations,” she said. “I was playing in Asia and thought, ‘OK, if it doesn’t go my way, I go on vacation early.’ And then I came till the end. It’s an incredible achievement.”

In two previous appearances at the tournament, she had been eliminated in the Round Robin stage, while this year, she nearly missed out. However, her strong late-season campaigns—with a title in Ningbo and semi-finals in Tokyo—allowed her to overcome Mirra Andreeva at the last minute and become the final player to complete the Riyadh lineup.

Rybakina’s WTA Finals victory also extends an intriguing streak—ten consecutive years with a different champion—as she joined an elite list of single-season conquerors that includes Ashleigh Barty, Caroline Garcia, and Garbiñe Muguruza – or more recently Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

Moments after sealing the biggest title of her season, Rybakina spoke to Sky Sports, still sounding surprised by the outcome. “Yeah, I can’t believe it. It’s an incredible achievement, and I’m so happy with the way I played here, the way I stayed focused,” she said.

Asked about where this performance ranked among her best, she admitted: “It’s the top eight—so the best players each year. Each match was very difficult, and I managed to win all of them. It gives me so much motivation. I’m already looking forward to the rest, but of course, to improve and come strong for the next season.”

“I didn’t know if I could maintain this level,” she said. “I’m very proud of what we did with the team. I stayed focused from each match till the end. It’s an amazing achievement for me to stay so stable for the whole tournament.”

And when it came to celebrating, Rybakina kept her trademark modesty: “I have some travels in the next few days, so I think I’ll celebrate a little bit in each country I go to. First, of course, with the team, then with my family. Hopefully, I’ll get some good rest. It’s amazing to finish the season like this.”

Elena Rybakina stood on court with the Billie Jean King Trophy in her hands, smiling in disbelief after sealing the biggest title of her season. She began her speech sincerity, saying it had been “an incredible week” and admitting she “honestly didn’t expect any result or to go this far.”

The new WTA Finals champion was quick to praise her opponent. “I want to congratulate Aryna for being number one for the second year in a row. It’s an amazing achievement — congrats to you and your team,” she said. Reflecting on the contest itself, Rybakina added: “Today was such a tough battle. At some moments I got lucky, but again, that’s tennis. I hope we’ll play many more finals together.”

Finally, she turned to the crowd and organizers with heartfelt gratitude. “It was an amazing atmosphere to play here. I’ve really enjoyed it — it’s my second year in a row — and it’s just so special to be back. Thank you to the Saudi Tennis Federation, the Minister of Sport, and everyone who made this tournament possible.”