The Kazakh’s fourth title this season, after the Australian Open, Stuttgart and the US Open, puts her alone at the top of the tour’s list for most titles in 2026. It’s his 15th career title and his 53rd win of the season extends his lead in that category as well.
“This is already my second year here, the second victory. It’s a special place for me. Thank you very much Ningbo. Xiexi,” Rybakina said. “I want to congratulate Leila for a wonderful week. Lots of tough matches and tough wins. Congratulations to you and your team.”
He thanked his team, “most of whom came home to support and watch,” and the crowd. “It’s great to play in front of you. It always gives a lot of motivation, a lot of energy to keep playing.”
Rybakina, who became world No. 1 for the first time since winning the US Open on Sept. 14, opened her week with a 5-0 shutout of Uzbek qualifier Polina Kudermetova. She then beat Poland’s Katarzyna Kava 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 and No. 6 Diana Schneider 6-3, 7-5.
Fernandez’s strong fall continues
Fernandez, ranked 30th, was playing in his 10th career final, a month after winning the title in Singapore. She beat No. 7 Elise Mertens of Belgium 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovic 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3, Ekaterina Alexandrova 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 and Marie Buzkova of the Czech Republic 7-5-3.
“I want to congratulate Elena for a great week, a great year,” Fernandez said. “The end of the year is well spent. We just have to keep going, keep working hard. I want to thank my family for always supporting me and believing in me during these difficult times.”
