Rybakina qualifies for WTA finals after Tokyo win

Elena Rybakina booked the last spot for next month’s WTA Finals after a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (4) victory over Victoria Mboko in the Pan Pacific Open quarterfinals on Friday.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion, representing Kazakhstan, will now face Czech player Linda Noskova in the Tokyo semifinals. With the win, Rybakina moved ahead of Mirra Andreeva to claim the eighth and final qualifying position for the season-ending WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled from November 1-8.

“It’s great to qualify and play more matches, especially against top players,” Rybakina said. “Last week, I focused on one match at a time, and I knew qualifying would be a long journey.”

Rybakina will join an elite field at the WTA Finals, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Jasmine Paolini. Coco Gauff, the defending champion, captured last year’s title in Riyadh by defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, earning $4.8 million in prize money.

Rybakina’s Tokyo performance highlights her determination and form heading into the prestigious season finale, setting up a competitive showdown with the world’s best players in Saudi Arabia.

The 2025 Pan Pacific Open is the 51st edition of this prestigious women's tennis tournament. Held annually in Tokyo, Japan, it is a key event on the WTA calendar, classified as a WTA 500 tournament.