Rybakina Returns to Ningbo Open; Swiatek and Kostyuk Fight Final Qualifying Spot

Elena Rybakina is set to defend her title at the BNB Ningbo Open, having previously secured a spot in the year-end WTA Finals by winning last season. Although she has already qualified for the Indian Wells tournament through earlier results and faces an ongoing foot injury that limited her recent Asian swing, Rybakina aims to finish strong while prioritizing her health.

Iga Swiatek (No. 2) and Marta Kostyuk (No. 3), both seeds at the event, remain in contention for the final qualifying spot against Karolina Muchova (currently No. 7). In the top half of the draw, Rybakina will face either Cristina Bucsa or a qualifier after receiving a first-round bye, but her path to back-to-back titles includes challenges from Iva Jovic, Belinda Bencic, Diana Shnaider, and others.

Rybakina expressed excitement about returning to Ningbo following two Grand Slam victories this year. She stated that while the season has been successful and long, she is focusing on managing her fitness to conclude it strongly before competing in Indian Wells.