As Elena Rybakina fights to stay in contention for a WTA Finals berth, every win counts regardless of how it comes.
Ningbo: Scores | Draws | Order of play
On Thursday in Ningbo, she was forced to battle, suffering through a grueling 2-hour and 48-minute contest to defeat Dayana Yastremska 4-6, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Despite the physical toll and humid conditions, Rybakina was able to muster just enough strength to close out the match with her 10th ace.
“It was a long day,” Rybakina said after the match. “The conditions, with it being so humid, are unusual for us. But I’m very happy I managed to win and thank you all so much for staying and supporting me.”
The victory sends her to the Ningbo quarterfinals for the first time, where she’ll face an in-form Ajla Tomljanovic for a spot in the semifinals.
More to come…