Elena Rybakina added another prestigious trophy to her collection by defeating Karolina Muchova 7-5, 6-1 in the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, marking her second triumph at the event after her inaugural victory in 2024. The Kazakh star clinched her 13th career title in just under an hour and a half—78 minutes of decisive tennis—further cementing a remarkable start to the 2025 season that already includes a hard‑court Grand Slam win at the Australian Open earlier in January.
The Stuttgart tournament is renowned for its unique prize: the champion receives a brand‑new Porsche, which the winner traditionally drives onto the centre court in a celebratory lap. Rybakina’s first win in 2024 was bittersweet in that she had not yet completed the required driver’s examination to legally operate the vehicle. She used the prize money from that victory to enroll in a driving course, successfully passing the test before this year’s edition, allowing her to fully enjoy the iconic car ceremony.
Speaking after the match, Rybakina praised the atmosphere and the tournament’s special place in her heart. “It’s an amazing tournament, we love coming back here,” she said.
“It really feels like home and you just want to come back every year. Super happy for the second win here in Stuttgart and this beautiful car.” Throughout the week, Rybakina displayed a blend of poise and power, cruising through her first three rounds without dropping a set. However, the road to the title was not without drama.
In the quarter‑finals, she faced a gritty Leylah Fernandez and was forced to fend off two match points during a grueling three‑hour encounter. Rybakina’s resilience under pressure proved decisive, and she emerged victorious, preserving her momentum heading into the semifinals and ultimately the final.
Her victory places her among a very select group 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 adaptability across clay, grass, and hard courts. Beyond Rybakina’s triumph, the tournament featured other notable storylines. On Sunday, Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk captured the title at the WTA Open de Rouen, defeating compatriot Veronika Podrez in an all‑Ukrainian final.
Kostyuk, the top seed, won 6-3, 6-4 in just 81 minutes, securing her second WTA singles championship and her first in more than three years. Kostyuk reflected on the historic nature of the match, saying, “This match today was not just a match. 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.” She added, “We have five Top 100 players, and I hope that this match, and me and Veronika, will be able to inspire more kids to try the sport, to pick up a racket for the first time and truly enjoy the emotion and passion and everything that this sport brings.” Rybakina’s Stuttgart success also highlights the broader narrative of her rapid ascent in women’s tennis. Since breaking through with her first WTA title in 2022, she has consistently challenged the sport’s elite, demonstrating a powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and a mental toughness that belies her years.
Her Australian Open victory earlier this year was a watershed moment, and the Stuttgart title reinforces her status as a genuine contender for the season‑ending championships. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix continues to be a key fixture on the WTA calendar, offering players a unique blend of high‑stakes competition and luxurious rewards. Fans worldwide can follow live scores, results, and upcoming match schedules through official tennis platforms, while highlights, video clips, and in‑depth analysis are available on the Sky Sports app and NOW streaming service. For those who wish to experience the excitement without a traditional broadcast contract, NOW provides a contract‑free streaming option, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts can stay connected to every rally, set point, and celebration.
As the WTA tour progresses, all eyes will be on Rybakina to see whether she can sustain her early‑season momentum and challenge for further titles across the globe. Her blend of raw power, strategic acumen, and newfound confidence after conquering Stuttgart suggests that she is poised for a memorable year, potentially adding more trophies to her burgeoning résumé and further solidifying her place among the sport’s modern greats.