Elena Rybakina was dominant in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final on Sunday, defeating Marta Kostuyk in straight sets, 6-2 6-2, in just 70 minutes. She showcased her dominance on the court before being driven off the ramp onto the court in her new lavender Porsche Taycan 4S Sport Turismo in front of a packed crowd. Rybakina expressed the importance of staying focused throughout the match, highlighting the differences in strategy between her match against Iga Swiatek. She emphasized on creating openings and not rushing while facing Kostuyk.
Reflecting on her performance throughout the week, Rybakina expressed her satisfaction with her solid play in the final. She commended her consistency and ability to navigate through tough matches despite the hectic schedule and changes in playing surfaces. This victory marked her third title of the season and the eighth of her career, with three coming on clay courts. She was presented with the winner’s trophy by Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.
Looking ahead, Rybakina aims to pass her driving test by next April to have the opportunity to drive the winner’s Porsche herself onto the court if she successfully defends her title next year. Her commanding win over Kostuyk further solidified her position as a strong contender for the upcoming French Open.
Kostuyk, though admitting to fatigue in the final, had an impressive run throughout the tournament, defeating several top-ranked players. She acknowledged the challenges she faced in the final but expressed pride in her performance leading up to it. Ultimately, her fatigue played a role in her subdued performance in the final against Rybakina, who displayed her power and precision on the court.
The victory in Stuttgart contributes to Rybakina’s strong season, positioning her as a formidable opponent for the French Open. With her victory over Swiatek in the semi-finals, Rybakina has demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level. Her success in various tournaments this year has boosted her confidence in challenging top players and pursuing Grand Slam titles across surfaces.
In addition to Rybakina’s triumph, the doubles final saw Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova clinch the title after a hard-fought battle. The pair overcame Ulrikke Eikeri and Ingrid Neel to lift the trophy at the Porsche Arena. As the tournament concludes, players like Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter continue to make significant strides in the rankings, setting the stage for more exciting tennis in the coming weeks.
