Third seed Elena Rybakina is just one match away from winning her second title in 2025 and inching close to a spot in the upcoming WTA Finals. The Kazakh has just one final hurdle to clear and that is fourth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. Both players booked their spots in the title with straight-set wins in the semifinals, with Rybakina beating second seed Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-2 while Alexandrova defeated Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-4.
Barring her second-round match over Dayana Yastremska, which she won 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3, the Kazakh has been dominant in Ningbo, having also thrashed Ajla Tomljanovic 6-2, 6-0. As for Alexandrova, she is yet to drop a set during the WTA 500 event, having previously beaten Yue Yuan and McCartney Kessler both by a 6-3, 6-3 scoreline.
Elena Rybakina vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova Match Details
Date: Oct. 19, 2025
Tournament: Ningbo Open
Round: Final
Venue: Ningbo, Japan
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Outdoor Hard
Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, Sky Sports
Rybakina vs. Alexandrova Head-to-Head
Alexandrova has a 3-1 head-to-head lead over Rybakina but most of her wins over the Kazakh came during 2020. However, the last meeting between the two came in 2024 in Adelaide, which the Russian won 6-3, 6-3.
Rybakina vs. Alexandrova Prediction
One could argue for Alexandrova being the favorite to win the match given her head-to-head record against Rybakina. However, the Kazakh has become a much better player since then and given her recent performances, is capable of defeating the Russian. That said, Alexandrova has also produced some impressive tennis so far in the 2025 season and it will not be a surprise if she comes out on top.
Rybakina has had decent numbers on her first serve so far during the Ningbo Open, winning 83 out of 104 points (79.8%). The Kazakh has served 27 aces so far during the WTA 500 event and will look to fetch as many free points as she can against a tricky opponent like Alexandrova. While her aggression will be crucial, she cannot afford to produce too many unforced errors like she has at times this season.
Alexandrova’s first-serve have been considerably inferior to those of Rybakina’s, having won 96 out of 135 points on it (71.1%). The Russian also loves to play aggressively and will look to attack from the very first point.
Given the dynamic playing styles of both players, it could eventually come down to composure and if Rybakina manages to hold her nerve, there is a good chance of her coming out on top and winning the Ningbo Open.
