Elena Rybakina defeated Leylah Fernandez 6-2 6-2 on Sunday to defend her Ningbo Open title, claiming her first trophy since becoming world No. 1 on September 14, 2026.
The Kazakhstani saved all four break points she faced and sealed victory with a forehand winner on her first match point. The triumph marks her fourth title of the season, following wins at the Australian Open, Stuttgart and US Open, and the 15th of her career.
After receiving a first-round bye, Rybakina defeated Polina Kudermetova (via retirement), Katarzyna Kawa and No. 6 seed Diana Shnaider to reach the WTA 500 final, where she defeated Fernandez. The 27-year-old improved her Ningbo Open record to 8-0, having defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in last year’s final.
Rybakina leads the tour with 53 match wins this season, ahead of Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula, who have 50 each.
