Rybakina beats Andreeva to reach Stuttgart Open final

Elena Rybakina underlined her status as one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour this season, defeating Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-1 to reach the final of the Stuttgart Open. The victory marks Rybakina’s third final of 2026 and keeps her on course for a second title at the prestigious indoor clay-court event.

No sign of fatigue after marathon quarter-final

Having spent nearly three hours on court the previous night in a gripping quarter-final against Leylah Fernandez, questions lingered over Rybakina’s physical condition.

She answered them emphatically.

From the opening point, Rybakina looked sharp, composed, and fully in control, brushing aside any suggestion of fatigue with a high-level performance that lasted just 1 hour and 17 minutes.

• Read also: Jelena Ostapenko stuns Sabalenka to win Stuttgart Open

The opening set was fiercely contested, with Andreeva showing early intent—including a blistering return winner on the very first point.

Both players traded blows, with Rybakina initially breaking for a 4-2 lead before Andreeva responded immediately to level the score. However, the world No. 2 elevated her game at the crucial stage.

A composed hold for 6-5 followed by a decisive break allowed Rybakina to take the set 7-5, shifting momentum firmly in her favor.

Second set domination

Once ahead, Rybakina shifted into another gear.

She opened the second set with an ace and quickly secured an early break after a gruelling multi-deuce game. That breakthrough sparked a dominant run, as she surged to a 5-0 lead with relentless baseline aggression.

Andreeva managed to avoid a bagel with a late hold, but the outcome was never in doubt. Rybakina closed out the match comfortably, finishing with:

• 23 winners
• 83% of first-serve points won
• Controlled aggression throughout

A statement performance

Rybakina’s ability to balance power with precision proved decisive.

Reflecting on her performance, she highlighted the importance of staying aggressive in key moments, particularly in the tight opening set before freeing up her game in the second.

Her composure under pressure continues to define her season, especially in high-stakes matches deep into tournaments.

Final showdown against Muchova

Rybakina will now face Karolína Muchová in the final, setting up one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament. Muchova holds a slight 2-1 head-to-head advantage, including a win earlier this year, although this will be:

• Their first meeting on clay
• Their first encounter in a final

The clash presents a fascinating contrast between Rybakina’s power-based game and Muchova’s tactical versatility.

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Beyond the title, Rybakina also has extra motivation, the Stuttgart Open’s iconic prize of a brand-new Porsche. But first, she must overcome a resurgent Muchova to complete another impressive chapter in her 2026 campaign.

SportsLigue