Rybakina comes back to beat Pegula and earns her first WTA Finals final!
After dropping the first set, Elena Rybakina found the resources to overcome Jessica Pegula (4-6, 6-4, 6-3). A massive victory that confirms the magnificent end of the season achieved by the Kazakh player.
Undefeated in the group stage of the WTA Finals, Elena Rybakina continues to ride a very positive wave in this final part of the season. The 2022 Wimbledon winner secured her place in the final of the WTA Finals after defeating Jessica Pegula in three sets (4-6, 6-4, 6-3).
Rybakina, appearing for the first time in her career at this stage of the competition, was able to rely on her array of offensive shots, as well as a powerful serve (15 aces, 71% of points won behind her first serve).
By beating three top 5 players this week in Riyadh, the world No. 6 gives herself the chance to claim one of the season's most prestigious trophies tomorrow. She will face either Aryna Sabalenka or Amanda Anisimova.
On her side, Pegula loses to Rybakina for the second time in her career, having previously led their head-to-head 4-1. The American concludes her season with a symbolic number: 31 three-set matches played in 2025 (including the BJK Cup), equaling a record previously held by Karolina Pliskova and Kiki Bertens.
Pegula, Jessica
Rybakina, Elena
Sabalenka, Aryna
Riyad