"I'm just happy" - Elena Rybakina triumphant after beating Aryna Sabalenka at WTA Finals to end 2024 season on a high

Elena Rybakina expressed her delight after defeating her rival Aryna Sabalenka in their final group stage match of the 2024 WTA Finals. The Kazakh claimed her first win of the event while the Belarusian was handed her first defeat.

Rybakina, who had been out of action since the US Open, has been hampered by injuries this season. Amid her health concerns, there was also a huge decision taken by the 25-year-old to relieve her long-time coach Stefano Vukov of his duties just days before the 2024 US Open.

She came into the WTA Finals as the fifth seed and kicked off her campaign with a straight-sets loss to Jasmine Paolini, following which she lost to Zheng Qinnwen in a topsy-turvy three-setter. The two losses meant that Rybakina was out of contention for the further rounds.

However, Rybakina came all guns blazing into her final match against top seed Aryna Sabalenka and managed to pull off a scintillating 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win.

During the post-match interview, she stated how she was happy to have won at least one match against the top-ranked player in 2024. She had also defeated Iga Swiatek in Stuttgart during the clay swing when the Pole was the World No. 1, and also beat Sabalenka in Brisbane earlier this year.

Rybakina sent her best wishes to the Belarusian for the remainder of her campaign.

“It was a tough match. I’m really happy I managed to win. It’s nice to finish the year with at least one win against the world #1. She has all the chances to win also. Good luck to her. I’m just happy. Thank you so much guys for the support,” Elena Rybakina said.

The Kazakh then mentioned how it was hard for her to bring her A-game after a long break. However, she felt that she was returning to her best, match by match. She ended her interview by thanking the fans in Riyadh.

“Every match I played here was a bit better. It’s not easy after such a long break. Today I served really well. From both sides we made mistakes, sometimes it was lucky for me. Overall, I think it was a good one for me. I’m really enjoying the atmosphere. Thanks again for all the support.”

Ahead of the WTA Finals, Rybakina had also discussed her split with Stefano Vukov.

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"I want to make the next step" - Elena Rybakina opens up about her split with Stefano Vukov

Elena Rybakina with Stefano Vukov (Source: Getty)

During a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the 2024 WTA Finals, Elena Rybakina was asked about her split from her long-time coach Stefano Vukov. There had been rumors going around that their relationship had severe repercussions on the Kazakh's mental health.

However, Rybakina said that the split was a normal player-coach split. Though she had won eight titles with Vukov's help, the 25-year-old felt that it was time to move on.

"Well, I know that a lot of I guess rumors going on. But honestly we just part ways with Stefano. I think we had incredible results over five years. We achieved a lot. I started with him when I was 200. I think it's just now next chapter of my career. I want to make next step," Elena Rybakina said.

She then called this move a big change in her career and wished Vukov the best for his future endeavors.

Rybakina has also announced that she will start working with Novak Djokovic's ex-coach Goran Ivanisevic in 2025.