Ningbo Open: Rybakina and Paolini Set for Semifinal Showdown
Jasmine Paolini edged out Belinda Bencic in a thrilling match, securing a 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory in the Ningbo Open quarterfinals, keeping her WTA Finals qualification hopes alive.
“It was one of the toughest matches I've ever played, honestly...”
Italian second seed Jasmine Paolini made a thrilling comeback to defeat Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in the Ningbo Open quarterfinals on Friday. This win keeps her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals alive. Paolini will now face Elena Rybakina, the third seed, in the semifinals.
Elena Rybakina had a dominating performance against Ajla Tomljanovic, winning 6-2, 6-0 in under an hour. This victory not only propelled her to the semifinals but also kept her own hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals intact. Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, has had an impressive year with 50 wins and seven semifinal appearances.
The match between Paolini and Bencic was a marathon that lasted three hours and 22 minutes, making it the longest match of Paolini's season. Despite serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Bencic couldn't close out the win and eventually succumbed to Paolini's determination. Paolini praised Bencic, saying she was an amazing player and a very good person.
In the semifinals, Paolini will face Rybakina, and a win would keep her qualification hopes alive. Rybakina, meanwhile, expressed her desire to qualify for the WTA Finals, acknowledging that she still needs to win many matches. Other players who have qualified for the WTA Finals include Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys.
Jasmine Paolini's quest for a spot at the WTA Finals in Riyadh hinges on her semifinal match against Elena Rybakina. To secure qualification, Paolini needs to emerge victorious against Rybakina.
Jasmine Paolini powers past Bencic to land in the semis 👏 #NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/P353b3TyU6
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 17, 2025
Paolini's quarterfinal match against Belinda Bencic was an epic battle that lasted three hours and 22 minutes, marking the longest match of her season. Despite being pushed to the limit, Paolini's determination and grit ultimately paid off as she claimed a thrilling comeback win.
Bencic had a golden opportunity to seal the win, serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set. However, she couldn't capitalize on it and Paolini fought back to force a deciding set. Bencic's momentum was further disrupted when she was forced to take a medical timeout due to a thigh issue while trailing 4-3 in the third set.
“It was one of the toughest matches I've ever played, honestly,” Paolini said, reflecting on the grueling contest. She praised her opponent, saying, “Belinda is an amazing player and a very good person. Today, she deserved to win as well, so it was really tough.”
Ekaterina Alexandrova cruises past McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-3, advancing to the next round where she'll face the winner of Zhu Lin vs. Diana Shnaider.
“I'm happy I stayed there, because at the beginning I had too many mistakes. I couldn't find my best tennis, but then I just tried to stay there every point and turn the match somehow.”
Six top players, including Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys, have secured their spots in the WTA Finals in Riyadh, leaving two remaining spots for other competitors.
Rybakina Cruises Past Tomljanovic
Elena Rybakina dominated Ajla Tomljanovic, firing seven aces to Tomljanovic's nine double faults, and reached the semifinals of the Ningbo Open. This win keeps Rybakina in the running for a spot at the WTA Finals. The former Wimbledon champion has now won 50 matches this year and qualified for seven semifinals.
“Of course it would be nice to qualify (for the WTA Finals). But I know for this I still need to win a lot of matches. Not only here, but also next week,” Rybakina said.
“Today I think I served well. It’s not easy to play Ajla. Today a lot of things went my way. Also some lines which I caught. Overall, happy I won in straight sets. Looking forward to tomorrow.”
Dominant display 💪
— wta (@WTA) October 17, 2025
Elena Rybakina puts in a clinical performance to win in straight sets against Tomljanovic and set up a semifinal against Paolini.#NingboOpen pic.twitter.com/pwvT2hf6AS
Russian fourth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova brushed aside American McCartney Kessler 6-3, 6-3. Alexandrova will next face the winner of the clash between local favourite Zhu Lin and seventh seed Diana Shnaider.
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