Elena Rybakina Defends Ningbo Open Title in Style
Elena Rybakina continued her impressive 2026 campaign by defending her Ningbo Open title in China on Sunday. The world No. 1 defeated Canada鈥檚 Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 6-2 in the final to claim her first trophy since rising to the top of the women鈥檚 tennis rankings.
The victory marked Rybakina鈥檚 fourth title of the season and the 15th of her career, strengthening her position at the summit of the women鈥檚 game.
Rybakina Dominates Fernandez in Final
Rybakina controlled the contest with powerful groundstrokes and consistent serving, winning both sets by an identical 6-2 margin. She saved all four break points she faced against Fernandez, who reached the US Open final in 2021 and is currently ranked 30th in the world.
The Kazakh player sealed the championship with a forehand winner on her first match point, completing a commanding performance in the final.
Fourth Title of a Successful Season
Rybakina moved past Aryna Sabalenka to become world No. 1 following the US Open. However, her subsequent campaign at the China Open ended in a surprise opening-round defeat to world No. 118 Alina Charaeva.
The Ningbo triumph provides a timely response to that setback. Her four titles this season include the Australian Open, Stuttgart Open, US Open and Ningbo Open.
Unbeaten Record in Ningbo
The defending champion extended her unbeaten record at the Ningbo Open to eight matches. She had also won the tournament last season, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova in the final.
The latest victory reinforces Rybakina鈥檚 consistency on the tour and gives the top-ranked player renewed momentum as the 2026 season approaches its closing stages.
