Rybakina advances in Ningbo and is close to securing the number 1 spot by the end of the year

Elena Rybakina has a strong mission at the WTA 500 Ningbo 2026 to add a new title that will almost mathematically ensure she finishes the season as world number 1. Arriving at the WTA Finals 2026 full of confidence and with the peace of mind that comes from having a wide margin over Aryna Sabalenka in the contest for that position would be significant for the Kazakh player.

Rybakina is not slowing down in her tennis, capable of making a physical and mental effort despite all the matches she has played this season. She won in the quarterfinals of the tournament held in China with a score of 6-1 3-6 6-1 against the Polish player Kawa, setting up a semifinal meeting with Diana Shnaider. The Russian caused an upset by defeating the young American Iva Jovic, with a score of 6-3 4-6 6-1.

Rybakina is very close to securing the number 1 spot by the end of the season

On the other side of the draw, the finalist will come from the semifinal clash between Marie Bouzkova and Leylah Fernández. Both have been showing very good form in recent weeks, with the Czech player able to defeat Bejlek 6-3 6-4, while the Canadian overcame Alexandrova 4-6 6-2 6-1, in a clear demonstration of her upward trend.

The clear favorite to win the title is Elena Rybakina, who would already lead Sabalenka by more than 1,000 points in the WTA Race, which would require the Belarusian to win the title or reach the final in the WTA Finals and hope the Kazakh does not win a single match. Her path to number 1 can become even clearer if she continues to rack up victories.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rybakina avanza en Ningbo y está cerca de asegurarse el número 1 a final de año