Follow us on Google Discover Elena Rybakina is very much the in-form player at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, having won all three of her group matches.
Rybakina has never gone beyond the round robin stage of the competition and 2025 has seen her build momentum up to the tournament.
Laura Robson hailed Rybakina after her win over Ekaterina Alexandrova which enabled her to progress to the semifinal as the group winner.
Rybakina has been praised by a host of coaches and given how she’s playing right now, she could be a major player in winning the tournament this year.
After a long season, however, things might not be quite so comfortable for Rybakina and she’s suggested how she feels physically ahead of the semifinals.
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for WTAElena Rybakina delivers update on fitness ahead of WTA semifinal
The Kazakhstani is going to be going into the last four clash with confidence but at this stage of the year, fitness of every player could have an impact.
After beating Alexandrova – who was called up as an alternate in the absence of Madison Keys – she delivered a somewhat concerning update on how she feels.
She told Sky Sports Tennis: “Of course, getting tired both physically and mentally, but I know each day that is passing, there are fewer days left, so I will always try to push no matter how I feel.
“I have my team and my physio, who is treating me, and I will try to get as fresh as possible. I have an off day tomorrow. We will see how it goes, but definitely I will try and push myself until the end here.”
Rybakina can take WTA Finals momentum into Australian Open
It’s perhaps a travesty that Rybakina has only won one Grand Slam title which came at Wimbledon in 2022.
Given her undeniable talent, Rybakina should have won more but at 26 there is still some time on her side to claim more major titles.
Her form in the Grand Slams in 2025 has been pretty drab, with three fourth round exits and a third round defeat at Wimbledon.
Her form at the WTA Finals could put her in good shape going into the Australian swing to start the year, with all eyes on the Australian Open.
Rybakina reached the final of that tournament in 2023, losing to Aryna Sabalenka and as a result, she might fancy another strong run if momentum can be taken from the end of 2025.