World number two Elena Rybakina defeated Karolina Muchova to win the WTA title in Stuttgart, Germany on Sunday, elevating her to the top spot in the points race to qualify for the season-ending championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November.
Rybakina’s 7-5, 6-1 victory over Muchova was the Kazakhstani player’s 13th title – and the first repeat title of her career after winning 12 titles in 12 different tournaments. She won in Stuttgart in 2024.
In the Stuttgart quarterfinals this year, Rybakina saved two match points against Leylah Fernandez in a three-hour battle.
The title on clay in Stuttgart gives the Russia-born player momentum ahead of the French Open, which begins next month. Rybakina won the Australian Open this year and is also the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
