In a stunning upset at the Porsche Grand Prix, Elena Rybakina defeated top-ranked Iga Świątek in a three-set thriller to advance to the final. Rybakina, currently ranked world No. 4, showcased her skills by hitting 10 aces and saving 11 of the 13 break points she faced during the semifinal match. This victory marks Rybakina’s fourth win in six meetings with Świątek, effectively ending the Pole’s hopes of securing a third consecutive title at the tournament.
On the other side of the bracket, Marta Kostyuk made waves with her unexpected journey to the final. The 27th-ranked Ukrainian claimed victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the semifinals, securing her spot in the championship match against Rybakina. Kostyuk’s impressive run included wins over top-10 players Zheng Qinwen and Coco Gauff, with the Ukrainian even saving match points in some matches.
Throughout the tournament, Rybakina showcased her dominance on serve, putting her opponents under constant pressure. In the semifinal against Świątek, Rybakina faced 20 break points and only lost four, highlighting her mental toughness and ability to come through in clutch moments. With titles in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi already under her belt this season, Rybakina is poised to add another trophy to her collection.
Kostyuk’s journey to the final came as a surprise even to herself, as she struggled in practice leading up to the tournament. However, once she began competing, her game rose to a new level, culminating in victories over top-ranked players and a spot in the championship match. Despite being the underdog, Kostyuk’s recent success, including a maiden title in Austin last year, demonstrates her potential to compete at the highest level.
The Porsche Grand Prix has seen two rising stars in Elena Rybakina and Marta Kostyuk make their mark on the tournament. With their impressive performances and unexpected victories, both players have shown that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. As they prepare to face off in the final, tennis fans can look forward to an exciting match between two promising talents on the WTA tour.
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