Elena Rybakina won the Ningbo Open to secure her first title since becoming world No 1 earlier this year. The defending champion beat Leylah Fernandez in the final, taking a 6-2 6-2 victory. Rybakina moved past Aryna Sabalenka into the top spot after the US Open but was then stunned by 118th-ranked Alina Charaeva in her opening match at the China Open.
It's Rybakina's tour-leading fourth title of the year to go with her Australian Open, Stuttgart and US Open trophies, and the 15th of her career. Rybakina improved to 8-0 in her career at the Ningbo Open after beating Ekaterina Alexandrova in last season's final. Against the 30th-ranked Fernandez, a US Open finalist in 2021, Rybakina saved all four break points she faced and produced a forehand winner on her first match point.
After setbacks in Beijing and Wuhan Rybakina is now looking strong as she heads to the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this week before launching her title defence at the season finale in Indian Wells from November 8. Watch the WTA and ATP Tours live on Sky Sports. Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract on NOW.
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