Elena Rybakina Defeats Iga Swiatek, Advances to Stuttgart Final 2024 Against Marta Kostyuk
Elena Rybakina, ranked world No. 4, emerged victorious against top-ranked Iga Swiatek, ending Swiatek’s bid for a third consecutive title in a thrilling showdown at the Porsche Grand Prix.
Rybakina’s remarkable performance saw her secure a spot in the final, where she will face Marta Kostyuk, setting the stage for an exciting clash on Sunday.
Rybakina showcased her prowess on the clay court, delivering 10 aces and adeptly saving 11 out of 13 break points during the intense semifinal match that lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes. This victory marks Rybakina’s fourth win in six meetings with Swiatek, underscoring her consistency and skill on the court.
The upcoming final promises an electrifying showdown between Rybakina and Kostyuk, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in a commanding fashion. Kostyuk’s impressive run to the final, including wins over top-10 players, adds an element of anticipation to the championship match.
Rybakina’s stellar performance throughout the season, with titles in Adelaide and Abu Dhabi, positions her as a formidable contender for the Stuttgart title. On the other hand, Kostyuk’s resilience and determination, evident in her previous victories and maiden title in Austin, add intrigue to the final matchup.
Stay tuned as Rybakina and Kostyuk, with a 1-1 career matchup record, vie for the prestigious Stuttgart title, promising fans an enthralling display of tennis prowess and competitive spirit.
And her most recent victory over the top player in the world accomplished a lot for her:
It was her 25th victory of the year, leading the tour. Rybakina and Swiatek had equaled 24 victories on the women’s tour this year before into their semifinal match.
She is currently in her fifth final of the year, topping the circuit. Since Victoria Azarenka in 2012, she is really the first female to make it to five finals in the first four months of the year.
She is the first player in Stuttgart history to defeat Swiatek. In her only two prior appearances at the WTA 500-level event (2022 and 2023), Swiatek had a perfect record of 10-0.
In addition, she is the first player in history to overcome Swiatek in a clay-court quarterfinal. Before Saturday’s match, the Pole had a perfect record of 9-0 in tour-level semifinals on the surface.
Last but not least, Rybakina has defeated the current world No. 1 in five of her previous seven meetings, all of which have occurred since the 2023 season began. She was 0-2 prior to 2023.
Also Read: Iga Swiatek’s Dominant Win at Indian Wells Final 2024: A Triumph in Tennis History
