Elena Rybakina delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression at the 2025 Ningbo Open quarterfinals, dismantling Ajla Tomljanović 6–2, 6–0 in just over an hour. What began as a tight tactical duel quickly became a showcase of Rybakina’s ability to turn defense into dominance — her serve impenetrable, her return game merciless. With poise and precision, the world No. 4 swept aside any notion of resistance, booking her place in the semifinals with one of her cleanest performances of the season.
Set 1 – Rybakina Turns Defense into Dominance
Rybakina began with measured intent, shaking off an early 0–15 start to hold comfortably to 40–15. Both players settled into a baseline rhythm, but Game 4 changed the tone: Tomljanovic’s first real service test stretched to five deuces. After saving two break points, she couldn’t fend off a third as Rybakina edged ahead 3–1.
Tomljanović answered immediately, breaking back at her first opportunity — a brief flash of resistance. Yet Rybakina’s response was emphatic. She broke again at 15–40 for 4–2, then held twice with ruthless efficiency, finishing the set by converting her second set point at 6–2. Her 3-of-6 break-point conversion underscored the control she had built from the baseline.
Tomljanovic vs Rybakina – Set One Stats
| Statistic | Tomljanovic | Rybakina |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 0.61 | 1.65 |
| Serve Rating | 161 | 271 |
| Aces | 0 | 6 |
| Double Faults | 4 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 64% (16/25) | 73% (16/22) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 56% (9/16) | 69% (11/16) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 20% (2/10) | 50% (3/6) |
| Break Points Saved | 50% (3/6) | 0% (0/1) |
| Service Games | 25% (1/4) | 75% (3/4) |
| Ace % | 0% | 27.3% |
| Double Fault % | 16% | 9.1% |
| Return Rating | 206 | 249 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 31% (5/16) | 44% (7/16) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 50% (3/6) | 80% (8/10) |
| Break Points Won | 100% (1/1) | 50% (3/6) |
| Return Games | 25% (1/4) | 75% (3/4) |
| Pressure Points | 57% (4/7) | 43% (3/7) |
| Service Points | 40% (10/25) | 64% (14/22) |
| Return Points | 36% (8/22) | 60% (15/25) |
| Total Points | 38% (18/47) | 62% (29/47) |
| Max Points In A Row | 3 | 5 |
| Match Points Saved | 0 | 0 |
| Total Games Won | 25% (2/8) | 75% (6/8) |
| Max Games In A Row | 1 | 3 |
| Injury Timeouts | 0 | 0 |
| Set Duration | 0h 29m | |
Set 2 – Rybakina Blitzes the Bagel
The second set was pure domination. Rybakina stormed through with three clean holds and three decisive breaks, never facing a single break point. A 40–0 opening hold set the tone, followed by a break on her second chance for 2–0. Her serve continued to fire, holding to 40–15 before breaking again in a fierce Game 4 battle, where Tomljanović briefly earned a game point but couldn’t withstand the pressure.
From 4–0 up, Rybakina didn’t blink — holding again, then sealing the “bagel” with another precise return game. Tomljanović saved one match point at 30–40, but Rybakina converted the second at Ad-out. In total, she created break chances in all six of Tomljanović’s service games and converted in every return game of the set — a rare display of total command.
Tomljanovic vs Rybakina – Set Two Stats
| Statistic | Tomljanovic | Rybakina |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 0.24 | 4.25 |
| Serve Rating | 116 | 314 |
| Aces | 0 | 1 |
| Double Faults | 5 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 50% (14/28) | 36% (5/14) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 57% (8/14) | 100% (5/5) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 14% (2/14) | 78% (7/9) |
| Break Points Saved | 50% (3/6) | – (0/0) |
| Service Games | 0% (0/3) | 100% (3/3) |
| Ace % | 0% | 7.1% |
| Double Fault % | 17.9% | 7.1% |
| Return Rating | 22 | 279 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 0% (0/5) | 43% (6/14) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 22% (2/9) | 86% (12/14) |
| Break Points Won | – (0/0) | 50% (3/6) |
| Return Games | 0% (0/3) | 100% (3/3) |
| Pressure Points | 50% (3/6) | 50% (3/6) |
| Service Points | 39% (11/28) | 86% (12/14) |
| Return Points | 14% (2/14) | 61% (17/28) |
| Total Points | 31% (13/42) | 69% (29/42) |
| Max Points In A Row | 3 | 6 |
| Match Points Saved | 1 | 0 |
| Total Games Won | 0% (0/6) | 100% (6/6) |
| Max Games In A Row | 0 | 6 |
| Set Two Duration | 0h29m | |
Looking Ahead
Rybakina now advances to face Jasmine Paolini in the Ningbo semifinals — a clash that could prove pivotal in the race for the final two spots at the 2025 WTA Finals. With both players still in contention for a coveted berth, Saturday’s showdown promises the intensity of a final well before the title match.