Photo credit: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis
Elena Rybakina is headed for Riyadh.
Rybakina has qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals Riyadh.
Rybakina, from Kazakhstan, joins PIF WTA World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka along with Iga Swiatek, defending champion Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Jasmine Paolini in the draw in Riyadh to compete for the WTA Finals Billie Jean King Trophy.
The 26-year-old Rybakina secured her qualification in dramatic fashion at this year’s last possible tournament, having needed to reach at least the semifinals this week at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo which she duly did earlier today, defeating Victoria Mboko in her quarterfinal match. Mirra Andreeva and Ekaterina Alexandrova will serve as the first and second alternates, respectively.
“The world-class singles field for the WTA Finals is now set and I can’t wait to welcome this inspiring group of athletes to Riyadh,” said WTA Finals Tournament Director Garbiñe Muguruza. “This season we have seen eight different champions across WTA 1000 tournaments and the Grand Slams showing the incredible depth and drama of the WTA Tour, with the perfect curtain-call now ready to take place at the WTA Finals.”