Rybakina overcomes Shnaider to set up Ningbo open final against Fernandez

Elena Rybakina moved a step closer to claiming her fourth WTA title of the year on Saturday after defeating Diana Shnaider to book her place in the Ningbo Open final, where she will face Leylah Fernandez.

The top seed and defending champion secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory over the 13th-ranked Russian, demonstrating her resilience despite a few nervy moments during the contest.

Rybakina, a three-time Grand Slam champion, took over the world number one ranking from Aryna Sabalenka following her triumph at the US Open in September. However, the Kazakh star missed last week’s Wuhan Open due to a foot injury.

The Moscow-born player looked set to cruise through the opening set but encountered unexpected difficulties while serving at 5-3. Rybakina committed two double faults and squandered an astonishing 10 set points before finally converting her 11th opportunity to take the set.

Shnaider, 22, responded with determination at the beginning of the second set, battling through a difficult service game to stay in contention.

Rybakina gradually increased the pressure and secured a crucial break in the seventh game before holding serve to establish a 5-3 advantage.

With victory within reach, the Kazakh then struggled while serving for the match at 5-4, allowing Shnaider to break back without dropping a point. However, Rybakina quickly regained control, breaking her opponent immediately to restore her advantage.

Serving for the match once again at 6-5, the top seed made no mistake. She sealed the victory on her second match point with a powerful two-handed backhand down the line.

Fernandez Books Final Spot with Victory Over Bouzkova

In the other Ningbo Open semi-final, Canadian star Leylah Fernandez defeated Czech opponent Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5 to move within one victory of another WTA title.

The world number 30 is aiming to secure her second title in as many months after winning the Singapore title last month. Fernandez proved too strong for Bouzkova, who entered the contest ranked 26th in the world.

Fernandez controlled much of the opening set and carried that momentum into the second, breaking early to establish a 2-0 lead. Bouzkova responded by fighting her way back into the contest, with both players experiencing difficulties holding serve.

The second set developed into a closely fought battle, with neither player willing to give ground. However, Fernandez eventually found a way through after just under two hours, sealing the win when Bouzkova sent a return beyond the baseline.

Fernandez will now face top seed Rybakina in the Ningbo Open final, setting up an exciting showdown between two players eager to add another trophy to their collections.