Elena Rybakina added another trophy to her growing collection by clinching the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart for the second time, defeating Karolina Muchova in straight sets, 7-5 6-1. The Kazakh star, who first lifted the Stuttgart title in 2024, wrapped up the final in just 78 minutes, marking her 13th career title overall and reinforcing the dominant way she has started the season after her Australian Open triumph earlier in the year. The Stuttgart event is famous not only for its high‑level tennis but also for its unique prize: the champion receives a brand‑new Porsche, which the winner traditionally drives onto the centre court.
Rybakina’s first victory in 2024 came before she had completed the required driver’s examination, so she used the prize car to take driving lessons and successfully passed the test the following year, allowing her to fully enjoy the perk of her win. "This tournament feels incredible, we love returning here," Rybakina said in the post‑match interview. "It really feels like home, and you just want to be back every year.
I'm super happy for my second win in Stuttgart and for the beautiful car that comes with it." Throughout the week, the 23‑year‑old displayed a blend of poise and power, cruising through the early rounds without dropping a set. However, the path to the title was not without drama.
In the quarter‑finals, Rybakina faced a resilient Leylah Fernandez and was forced to fend off two match points during a grueling three‑hour battle. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and eventually turn the match around highlighted the mental toughness that has become a hallmark of her game.
By securing the Stuttgart crown, Rybakina joined an exclusive cadre of active players who have amassed at least five WTA titles on more than one surface. Only three other women—Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina and Iga Świątek—share this distinction, underscoring Rybakina’s versatility and her capacity to adapt her aggressive baseline style to both clay and hard courts. The victory also contributed valuable ranking points, further cementing her position among the sport’s elite and setting her up for a strong run in the upcoming summer swing of tournaments. Fans and analysts alike are now looking ahead to see how she will perform in the forthcoming Premier‑level events and the Grand Slam draws that follow.
Beyond Rybakina’s triumph, the Sunday schedule featured a notable moment for Ukrainian tennis. Marta Kostyuk captured the WTA Open de Rouen title by defeating compatriot Veronika Podrez in an all‑Ukrainian final, winning 6-3 6-4 in just over an hour.
Kostyuk, the top seed, described the match as a historic occasion for her nation, emphasizing that it was the first time two Ukrainian players had contested a WTA final. She praised the dedication of Ukrainian athletes and expressed hope that their success would inspire a new generation of young players to pick up a racket and experience the joy and passion of the sport. Kostyuk’s win marked her second WTA singles title and her first in more than three years, a milestone that reflects her perseverance and growth since breaking through on the tour. Her comments highlighted the broader impact of tennis in Ukraine, where five players currently rank inside the top 100, and she hopes that her and Podrez’s achievement will serve as a catalyst for further development of the game in the country.
For viewers who missed the live action, the matches are available for streaming without a contract through NOW, and highlights, scores, and upcoming fixtures can be followed on the Sky Sports app. Tennis enthusiasts can also enjoy a wide range of video content, including match replays, player interviews, and curated highlight reels, ensuring they stay connected to the sport’s latest storylines. Overall, Stuttgart’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix delivered a blend of high‑octane competition, memorable narratives, and a showcase of emerging talent.
Rybakina’s decisive win, combined with the inspirational performances of players like Kostyuk, underscores the depth and global reach of women’s tennis today. As the season progresses, fans can anticipate further exciting chapters from these athletes as they chase additional titles and strive to leave their mark on the sport’s history.