Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina dominated on serve Sunday, capturing her second Porsche Tennis Grand Prix championship in Stuttgart, Germany with a decisive 7-5, 6-1 triumph over Czech player Karolina Muchova.
The second-seeded Rybakina controlled the match from the service line, converting 25 of 32 first-serve opportunities for an impressive 78.1% success rate. She completed the victory in just 78 minutes, adding three aces to her performance while claiming her 13th career championship.
This marks a historic achievement for Rybakina, as she becomes the first player to capture multiple titles at the same tournament in her career. Her previous Stuttgart victory came in 2024, and this latest triumph represents her fifth clay court championship.
Muchova, seeded seventh, struggled significantly with her serve efficiency, managing only a 52.3% first-serve winning percentage by taking 23 of 44 points. Despite saving four of eight break point opportunities, she couldn’t match Rybakina’s consistency.
The Czech player mounted a brief comeback in the opening set, rallying from a 5-2 deficit to even the score at 5-5. However, Rybakina quickly regained control, securing the final two games of the first set before cruising through the second set.
At the Rouen Metropolitan Open in France, top-seeded Marta Kostyuk made tennis history by defeating fellow Ukrainian Veronika Podrez 6-3, 6-4 in the first all-Ukrainian WTA final ever held.
Kostyuk showcased aggressive play with 34 winners compared to 23 unforced errors, while successfully converting six of nine break point chances against the 19-year-old Podrez, who was competing in her first professional final as a qualifier.
“This match today was not just a match,” Kostyuk declared during the trophy ceremony. “It was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis. First time two Ukrainians playing in the final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat goes into this sport and to be able to be on this stage. So I’m incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now.”
Podrez managed only one ace during the championship match while committing seven double faults, as Kostyuk claimed her second singles title.
