The 25-year-old entered her final group stage match at the WTA Finals already out of the tournaments following defeat to Jasmine Paolini and Olympic champion Qinwen Zheng.
In what is Rybakina’s first tournament since the US Open, she shook off any rust from her first two matches to produce a solid performance against the reigning Australian and US Open champion.
After one hour and 41 minutes, the Kazak player completed a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 win and secured her fourth career victory against Sabalenka.
Elena Rybakina claimed set one after hitting 10 winners to just six from Aryna Sabalenka.
After the Belarusian levelled proceedings by claiming set two, the World number five produced a flawless serving performance in set three, winning each point behind her first serve.
This is something Rybakina highlighted post-match as being vital to her latest win, in addition to her improved movement.
“I think today I served really well, and especially in the third set,” Rybakina said. “So I’m pretty happy that this was an improvement, and I think maybe movement is a little bit better.
“But of course, overall, I know that I’m not at my best, and if I would have maybe more weeks and some other matches, but with all the circumstances, I’m really happy overall how I played this tournament.”
By beating Sabalenka, Rybakina recorded her second victory over the World number one in 2024.
This came after she defeated Iga Swiatek when she was the top ranked player at the Stuttgart Open in April.
This latest performance reminded everyone how dangerous Rybakina can be and at full fitness, she will be a huge threat in 2025.
Following her last match of the season, Rybakina outlined her goals for the next year, and they involve Grand Slam titles.
“My goal now is to win Grand Slams,” Rybakina told Sky Sports. “Although the main objective is to become the world No. 1 someday… maybe next season.”
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