Elena Rybakina is the new WTA Finals champion, having overcome Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.
It marked a comprehensive win for the former Wimbledon champion, who played out a dominant first set before crushing her opponent in a second-set tiebreak.
Naturally, the Belarusian cut a frustrated figure, as she seemed unable to find a solution to trouble Elena Rybakina.
Despite that, she still mustered the humility and composure to laud the title winner in the immediate aftermath.
What Aryna Sabalenka said after losing the WTA Finals to Elena Rybakina
Speaking on court, an emotional Aryna Sabalenka first thanked the crowd, once again.
She began: “Thank you guys for an incredible atmosphere the whole week. I really enjoyed playing in front of you. Thank you so much for the support, today especially.”
She then reflected on an underwhelming performance, continuing: “Maybe not the best performance, but Elena, you were definitely a better player today.
“You literally smashed me out of the court! So very well done. I am happy to see you playing your best tennis. Nice comeback at the end of the season and now it’s time to enjoy our off-season, and enjoy this beautiful trophy.”
Sabalenka then turned to her team, shedding a tear as she concluded: “I guess I am getting old, I am getting really sensitive. So many things to be proud of. Thank you guys.”
Despite her defeat, the Belarusian can take some solace in the fact that her match with Coco Gauff prompted Chris Evert to praise the current state of women’s tennis.
Elena Rybakina’s on-court interview after winning the WTA Finals
Rybakina was keen to offer some reciprocal praise in her championship speech, but first admitted her shock at the tournament as a whole: “It has been an incredible week. I honestly did not expect any result, and to go so far is just incredible.”
The Kazakhstani then noted: “I want to congrats Aryna for being number one the second year in a row. It’s an amazing achievement, it’s incredible. Congrats to you and your team.
“Today was such a tough battle. There were some moments I got luckier but it’s tennis. I hope we are going to play many more finals and big tournaments together.”
For winning the WTA Finals without losing a single match, Rybakina will pick up a mouth-watering cheque for over $5m. Meanwhile, Sabalenka will have to regroup, keen to add this event to her trophy cabinet soon, as it remains one she has yet to win in her career.
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