The WTA tennis world has been buzzing with excitement following the dramatic conclusion of the Ningbo Open 2025, where Elena Rybakina staged a remarkable comeback to claim her second WTA 500 title of the season. Her victory not only electrified fans but also sent shockwaves through the upper echelons of the WTA rankings, setting up a tense battle for the final qualifying spots at the upcoming WTA Finals.
Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, delivered a gutsy performance in the Ningbo Open final, overcoming Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-2. This win marked her second title of 2025 and launched her up the rankings to World No. 7, now sitting on 4,505 points. The Kazakhstani’s triumph was hard-earned, as she had to navigate a tricky semifinal against Jasmine Paolini before toppling Alexandrova in the championship match. Rybakina’s run in Ningbo has brought her within a mere 15 points of Mirra Andreeva in the WTA Race, keeping her hopes of a third consecutive WTA Finals appearance very much alive.
Jasmine Paolini’s own journey in Ningbo wasn’t without its rewards. The Italian, who has enjoyed a breakout year, reached the semifinals and, in doing so, secured her place among the season’s top eight. Paolini’s semifinal finish confirmed her qualification for the prestigious year-end event, joining a star-studded cast that includes Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys. Paolini’s consistent deep runs in Masters 1000 events—most notably, a title in Rome and a final in Cincinnati—have propelled her to 4,525 points and sixth place in the world rankings, just ahead of Rybakina.
While the action in Ningbo was fierce, the top three players—Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff—opted to rest and prepare for the upcoming WTA Finals in Riyadh. Sabalenka remains the leader with 10,400 points, while Swiatek and Gauff trail with 8,768 and 7,873 points, respectively. According to the latest rankings, "Aryna Sabalenka keeps her hefty lead with 10,390 points, with Iga Swiatek her closest challenger with 8,703. The title in Wuhan put Coco Gauff on 7,863 points as they look to once again battle in Riyadh in the Tour Finals." (as reported in the latest tournament coverage).
The battle for the final spot at the WTA Finals is heating up, with just one place left to be decided. Rybakina’s surge in Ningbo has put her within striking distance of Mirra Andreeva, who suffered a tough Asian swing. Andreeva dropped three places to ninth after a string of early exits, including a disappointing loss to world number 219 Lin Zhu in Ningbo. Her recent struggles have left her on 4,319 points, making her vulnerable as Rybakina eyes a semifinal finish at the upcoming Tokyo Open to overtake her in the Race standings.
Ekaterina Alexandrova, despite falling to Rybakina in the final, has solidified her place inside the top 10, holding steady at World No. 10 with 3,375 points. Her consistent performances during the Asian swing, including two final appearances, have propelled her into the elite for the first time. Diana Shnaider also made a mark in Ningbo, gaining 135 points for her semifinal finish and continuing her steady climb up the rankings.
There were also some notable moves outside the very top. Leylah Fernandez, fresh off her Japan Open triumph in Osaka, leapt five places to 22nd after defeating Tereza Valentova in a three-set final. Jaqueline Cristian and Sorana Cirstea both reached the semifinals in Osaka, seeing their rankings rise to 42nd and 45th, respectively. Meanwhile, Tereza Valentova’s maiden final appearance pushed her up 21 spots to a new career-high of 57th in the world. These surges underscore the depth and competitiveness of the current WTA field, where a single strong week can dramatically alter a player’s trajectory.
Not everyone enjoyed a positive week, though. Defending Ningbo champion Daria Kasatkina, who missed the event due to injury, tumbled 13 places in the rankings, now sitting at 35th. Her absence was keenly felt, and it highlights just how quickly fortunes can change on the tour. Similarly, British player Sonay Kartal experienced a significant rankings drop after failing to defend her points from last year.
The updated WTA rankings as of October 20, 2025, reflect the shifting landscape. The top 10 now reads: Aryna Sabalenka (10,400 points), Iga Swiatek (8,768), Coco Gauff (7,873), Amanda Anisimova (5,924), Jessica Pegula (5,183), Jasmine Paolini (4,525), Elena Rybakina (4,505), Madison Keys (4,449), Mirra Andreeva (4,319), and Ekaterina Alexandrova (3,375). The WTA live Race standings, which determine qualification for the Finals, show the first seven players have secured their spots, with Rybakina and Andreeva locked in a nail-biting contest for the last ticket to Riyadh.
Rybakina’s impressive form is a testament to her resilience and championship pedigree. Her ability to bounce back after dropping the first set in the Ningbo final is emblematic of a player who thrives under pressure. As she heads to Tokyo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A semifinal finish would almost certainly guarantee her place at the WTA Finals, but with Andreeva just ahead, every match will carry added weight. Fans can expect fireworks as these two battle it out for the final coveted spot.
Jasmine Paolini, meanwhile, has been one of the breakout stars of 2025. Despite not making a Grand Slam final this season, her Masters 1000 performances and ability to string together deep tournament runs have paid off handsomely. Her qualification for the WTA Finals is a reward for her consistency and determination, and she’ll be eager to prove herself against the very best in Riyadh.
Looking further down the rankings, the likes of Fernandez, Cristian, and Valentova are making their presence felt, hinting at a new generation ready to challenge the established order. The WTA tour, never short on drama, is delivering yet another thrilling finish as the season winds down.
As the tennis world turns its attention to Tokyo and the final opportunities to collect crucial points, the spotlight will remain firmly on Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva. Will Rybakina’s hot streak continue, or can Andreeva find her footing just in time? One thing’s for certain: the race to the WTA Finals is far from over, and every point will matter as the tour’s best vie for glory in the season’s final act.
