Paolini, Rybakina Stay in the Hunt for Riyadh with Wins in Ningbo
Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina are trying to chase down WTA Finals spots this week in Ningbo, China.
With six singles qualifiers settled, three players are vying for the final two singles spots at the 2025 WTA Finals Riyadh: Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina.
Andreeva’s opening loss to Zhu Lin has opened the door for Paolini and Rybakina, and both took advantage on Thursday.
Andreeva lost her Ningbo opener, but she can still qualify this week if Rybakina loses one of her first two matches. Rybakina defeated Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-7(6) 6-3 on Thursday and will face Ajla Tomljanovic in the quarterfinals. Rybakina cannot add points until she gets to the semifinals.
But Jasmine Paolini can – and did – on Thursday. The Italian got past Veronika Kudermetova 6-2 7-5 to set a quarterfinal with Belinda Bencic.
If Paolini and Rybakina advance they will meet in the semifinals.
Tennis ExpressSINGLES LIVE LEADERBOARD
- 7. Andreeva 4319
- 8. Paolini 4190
- 9. Rybakina 3913 (will not change with win Thursday) 10. Alexandrova 3158 (will not change with win Thursday)
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