Elena Rybakina has successfully defended her title at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, defeating Karolina Muchova 7-5, 6-1 in the final. This victory marks her second title at the tournament and her 13th overall, achieved in just 78 minutes. Following her Australian Open win in January, Rybakina continues to have a strong start to the year.
Notably, the winner of the tournament in Stuttgart receives a Porsche, which they drive onto the court. After her 2024 win, Rybakina used her prize to take and pass her driver's test the following year. "It's an incredible tournament, and we love returning here," Rybakina expressed. "It feels like home, and you want to come back every year.
I'm super happy for my second win in Stuttgart and this beautiful car." Rybakina exuded confidence in the final, having reached the end of the week with three straight-set victories. However, she also had to save two match points in a three-hour quarter-final against Leylah Fernandez. This win elevates Rybakina into an exclusive group, making her the fourth active player to win at least five WTA-level titles on multiple surfaces, alongside Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina, and Iga Swiatek. Meanwhile, Marta Kostyuk emerged victorious in an all-Ukrainian final against Veronika Podrez at the WTA Open de Rouen, winning 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 21 minutes to claim her second WTA singles title and first in over three years.
"This match was not just a match, it was a historical moment for Ukrainian tennis," Kostyuk said. "It's the first time two Ukrainians have played in a final. I know the amount of work, sacrifice, tears, and sweat that goes into this sport, and to be on this stage is incredible.
We have five Top 100 players, and I hope this match will inspire more kids to try the sport and pick up a racket for the first time, to experience the emotion and passion it brings."