On February 11, Elena Rybakina won her seventh career title at the Abu Dhabi Open after defeating Daria Kasatkina 6:1, 6:4, QazMonitor reports citing the WTA.
Seeded no. 1 at the tournament, Rybakina had a successful week securing victories against Danielle Collins (4:6, 6:3, 6:3), Cristina Bucsa (6:1, 6:4), and Liudmila Samsonova (6:0, 4:6, 6:2). Abu Dhabi Open marks Rybakina’s second title of the season, following her win at the Brisbane International, propelling her to fourth place in the WTA standings, behind Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff.
During the match, Rybakina hit three aces and made two double faults to Kasatkina’s nine double faults.
I was coming to this week without expectations because I had some issues in Melbourne, so we needed some time to get back on court. I was just trying to get as many matches as I can. Really proud of this week. With every match, I felt more confident.
Head-to-head, Rybakina leads 3:2; the ADO finals is her second consecutive victory against Kasatkina.
Next, the Kazakh player will compete in the WTA 1000 tournament Qatar Open in Doha, scheduled for February 11-17.