The rest vs. rust argument is prevalent in all professional sports, and it has taken center stage at the 2025 WTA Finals with Elena Rybakina’s performance.
Rybakina squeaked into qualification for the WTA Finals at the last possible minute of the season and played a lot of tennis during the fall Asian swing to do so. Many were concerned that she would be physically and mentally depleted from the stress.
The other seven women (Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini, and Jessica Pegula) did not play a complete Asian swing and were training and preparing for the WTA Finals.
Through her first two matches, Rybakina has never played better at the WTA Finals, in her third year at the event (2023-2025). She dismissed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets and came from behind to defeat Iga Swiatek with breadstick and bagel results that Swiatek is known for delivering to her opponents.
This point from Elena Rybakina in her match against Iga Swiatek in Riyadh was exceptional.
Incredible movement to reset the point.
Clean forehand winner once she sees her chance.
Back to playing tremendous tennis. 🤌
(h/t @hoppang121)
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 3, 2025
🚨 Rybakina earns her first win over Swiatek this year!
The No. 6 seed gets closer to sealing her spot in the semifinals as she leads the Serena Williams group 2-0 in match wins. ✍️#WTAFinalsRiyadh pic.twitter.com/2zV8D6rE5Y
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 3, 2025
She is the first player to qualify for the semifinals with the Round Robin rubber match with Keys slated for later in the week.
What Is The Difference For Elena Rybakina?
Since coming from relative obscurity to win the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, Rybakina has not been able to duplicate that dazzling performance at a Grand Slam. She has 10 career WTA titles including that Wimbledon win, but she has suffered physically or mentally at high-profile tournaments.
Her serve has always been a weapon, and she has proven to be a streaky player. It has been a long season with so many women winning high-level tournaments. Could Rybakina end the season with the biggest win of her career aside from that Wimbledon?
Watch the 2025 WTA Finals live from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia through November 8 on Tennis Channel or the Tennis Channel app.
