Aryna Sabalenka made feelings on Elena Rybakina – Sports News
It wasn’t No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s day in Riyadh on Saturday, because the four-time Grand Slam winner fell in straight units to No. 6 Elena Rybakina within the 2025 WTA Finals, price a $5.2 million purse.
The 2025 US Open winner fell 3-6, 6-7 to the Kazakhstani-born Rybakina after breezing by the event’s spherical robin spherical and knocking off Amanda Anisimova — her nemesis from Wimbledon — in three units.
Sabalenka broke down in tears after the defeat earlier than congratulating her opponent, nonetheless making her admiration for her opponent clear regardless of her own heartache.
“Maybe not [my] best efficiency, however Elena, you have been positively a higher participant right now,” the Russian told the crowd.
“You literally smashed me out of the court! So very well done. I am happy to see you playing your best tennis. Nice comeback at the end of the season, and now it’s time to enjoy our off-season, and enjoy this beautiful trophy.”
The 27-year-old then thanked the fans. “Thank you guys for an incredible atmosphere the whole week,” she mentioned. “I really enjoyed playing in front of you. Thank you so much for the support, today especially…I guess I am getting old, I am getting really sensitive. So many things to be proud of. Thank you, guys.
The loss cost Sabalenka a chance at earning the biggest check in women’s professional tennis history. She managed to force two break attempts off the dominant Rybakina in the second set, but it wasn’t enough.
Sabalenka has never won the WTA championship in four attempts, falling in the semifinals twice and now the finals twice as well.
Rybakina, 26, reached at least the third set in each of the 2025 Grand Slams, though she failed to crack a quarterfinal. She entered the 2025 WTA Finals as the sixth seed and survived the round robin before beating Jessica Pegula in three sets.
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The 2022 Wimbledon champion hadn’t won any ATP tournament before Saturday. She made sure to congratulate her opponent and longtime rival post-match.
“I want to congrats Aryna for being number one the second year in a row,” Rybakina mentioned. “It’s an amazing achievement, it’s incredible. Congrats to you and your team.”
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