Rybakina, a true ace machine: an astonishing number before her final against Sabalenka

500 aces this season: Rybakina has already hit harder than anyone else on the tour. While she won't threaten Pliskova's record, she will undoubtedly get closer to it during her final against Aryna Sabalenka in Riyadh.

Known for her formidable serve, Rybakina has established herself as the queen of aces this year. Yesterday, during her semi-final at the WTA Finals against Jessica Pegula, the world number 6 smashed 15 aces, allowing her to reach the symbolic milestone of 500 aces in a single season.

A total that hadn't been reached for nine years, back in the days of Karolina Pliskova. The former world No. 1 hit 517 aces in 2015 before setting a new personal record the following year with 530.
Between 2015 and 2021, she had even finished top of the ace rankings on five occasions.

In her final against Aryna Sabalenka this Saturday, Rybakina will need to rely on this weapon to make the difference. 18 aces would allow her to surpass the first mark set by Pliskova in 2015.