Paolini, Rybakina Set Ningbo Semi with Massive WTA Finals Implications

Elena Rybakina and Jasmine Paolini continue their battle for qualification at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, and they aren’t finished yet. 

Paolini and Rybakina each reached the semifinals in Ningbo, where Mirra Andreeva has already lost but still holds on to the sixth spot in the standings. 

By reaching the semis in Ningbo with a three-set victory over Belinda Bencic in three hours and 22 minutes (5-7, 7-5, 6-3) , Paolini can ensure qualification with a win over Rybakina in Saturday’s semifinals. 

Paolini is into her seventh semifinal of the season.

If that happens, Andreeva would still be ahead of Rybakina for the final spot, but not yet qualified. 

Rybakina took out Ajla Tomljanovic, 6-2, 6-0, in 58 minutes.

Paolini holds a 3-2 lifetime edge against Rybakina, and has won their last two meetings.