Elena Rybakina, currently ranked World No.4, clinched her third WTA Tour title of the year at the Tennis Grand Prix event in Stuttgart on Sunday, overpowering Marta Kostyuk, ranked No.27, with a commanding scoreline of 6-2, 6-2 in the final showdown. This victory marked Rybakina's tour-leading 26th win of the season, showcasing her formidable form on the court.
Securing the title at Stuttgart signifies Rybakina's eighth career triumph, with her prowess extending to clay courts, evidenced by previous victories at the 2023 Rome and 2019 Bucharest tournaments. At just 24 years old, Rybakina emerges from Germany with a notable lead in titles this season, adding Stuttgart to her list of conquests, which includes Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.
Rybakina's path to victory was paved with determination, as she entered the final after halting World No.1 Iga Swiatek's 10-match winning streak at Stuttgart, claiming a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the semifinals.
Facing Kostyuk in her fifth final of the season, Rybakina wasted no time asserting her dominance, swiftly breaking Kostyuk's serve and maintaining control throughout the match. With a formidable serve, Rybakina, leading the tour in aces served, secured the first set in just 30 minutes, conceding only one point on her first serve (15 of 16) and successfully warding off any break points. Ultimately, Rybakina outpaced Kostyuk, claiming 30 points compared to Kostyuk's 17.
Kostyuk, who had enjoyed a breakthrough week in Stuttgart, making her second final appearance of the year, found herself unable to penetrate Rybakina's confident gameplay. Despite a commendable performance throughout the tournament, Kostyuk fell short against the formidable World No.4. With this achievement, Kostyuk is set to ascend to a new career-high ranking of No.21 on Monday, a testament to her remarkable progress this season.
Entering the final with a 1-1 head-to-head record against Rybakina, Kostyuk struggled to find her rhythm against the determined opponent. While Kostyuk committed just six unforced errors in the first set, Rybakina's aggressive baseline play forced 16 errors from her opponent.
Maintaining her momentum into the second set, Rybakina sealed the victory after 1 hour and 9 minutes of intense play. She displayed unwavering focus, saving all three break points she faced, ultimately emerging victorious without dropping a set throughout the match.
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