Ningbo Open Semi-Finals Round-up | Elena Rybakina makes hard work of Diana Shnaider as back-to-back finals in Ningbo confirmed

It was not simple for Elena Rybakina, who is in a first WTA final as the World No.1. She almost tripped up at the end of either set in a 6-3, 7-5 win over Diana Shnaider at the Ningbo Open.

After a shaky quarter-final display which saw the World No.1 win her first completed match as the top-ranked player in the world, she managed to see off Shnaider with a bit more control and authority, but there were still periods where she came unstuck. Specifically in the first set, when it took 11 set points to get the job done.

The reigning champion is very much on course to win a fourth WTA title in 2026. Her form in Asia has come under question, especially following that surprising China Open exit. She pulled out of Wuhan with all focus on events in Wuhan.

It would be a tough test against the 2023 runner-up, who was still looking for a first WTA final in 2026. After a tense opening set, Rybakina seized the initiative before eventually seeing it out after a dramatic last game. That lead was extended as she led 5-3 in the second, but a brilliant burst saw Shnaider stick with her esteemed opponent. It was brief, as the Kazakh marched on into the final, just one win away from a 15th WTA title.

The duo were involved in contrasting starts to their quarter-final contests. They both opened up with four commanding holds, finding their feet on the Ningbo court rather rapidly.

Rybakina was the first to move up the gears, producing a hold to love before creating the first break point of the match. The breakthrough would have to wait a few points as she upped the ante. She made eight consecutive points on her serve to move 5-2 ahead. Shnaider was starting to falter. Her first serves were not finding their spots, and Rybakina was hounding her relentlessly. The Russian battled hard to hold and forced her opponent to serve it out.

Rybakina would, but a scenic route was taken. After leading 40-0 lead, Rybakina had dropped just three points on serve in the entire set. Two double faults and a long forehand gifted Shnaider a lifeline. Six more set points later, the frustrations were evident, with unforced errors proving costly. However, Shnaider failed to create a break point in this entire timeframe, and at the 11th time of asking, the 27-year-old clinched the opening set.

After overturning a 0-30 deficit with a four-point burst, she sailed into a 15-40 lead. Shnaider, whose frustrations were almost at boiling point, took her anger out on the balls with it being her turn to win four consecutive points.

The two-time Grand Slam champion would soon take control. Three holds of serve later, another break point cropped up. She was clinical this time round and moved 4-3 to the good. Shnaider was firmly on the back foot and in desperate need of a response. Rybakina backed up the break with a hold, moving one game away from victory.

Eight points later, and parity was unbelievably restored. Rybakina continued to falter in the business end of sets as Shnaider kept her hopes alive. It was all in vain. Rybakina got back her slender advantage and once more tried to serve it out. This time, she was more successful.

There, she will face Leylah Fernandez, who is searching for another title in this Asian swing following her triumph in Singapore. She took down Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5 to set up a tantalising final clash.