Elena Rybakina captured her second Porsche Tennis Grand Prix trophy in Stuttgart with a straight‑sets victory, defeating Karolina Muchova 7‑5, 6‑1. This triumph marks her first successful title defence at the event, having originally lifted the trophy in 2024.
The Kazakh star clinched her 13th career title in just 78 minutes of play, reinforcing the dominant start she has enjoyed this season, which also included a hard‑court triumph at the Australian Open earlier in the year. The Stuttgart tournament is renowned for its unique prize: the champion is presented with a brand‑new Porsche, which the winner traditionally drives onto the centre court for a celebratory lap. When Rybakina first won the event in 2024, she had not yet completed the required driver’s examination to take the car for a spin.
She used the prize money from that victory to enroll in a driving course, and successfully passed the test in time for her 2025 defence, allowing her to fully enjoy the iconic Porsche ceremony. "This tournament is amazing; we love returning here," Rybakina said in the post‑match interview. "It feels like home, and you just want to come back every year. I'm super happy to claim a second win in Stuttgart and to be handed this beautiful car." Rybakina’s confidence was evident throughout the week.
She reached the final without dropping a set, winning each of her three matches in straight sets. However, the journey was not without drama. In the quarter‑final, she faced a resilient Leylah Fernandez and was pushed to the brink, having to fend off two match points during a grueling three‑hour contest before eventually prevailing. That close call underscored her mental toughness and her ability to perform under pressure.
The victory also placed Rybakina in an exclusive club of active players who have amassed at least five WTA titles on more than one surface. She joins a distinguished cohort that includes Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina and Iga Swiatek—players celebrated for their versatility and consistency across clay, grass, and hard courts. Beyond Rybakina’s achievement, the Sunday schedule featured another notable story on the WTA circuit.
Ukrainian teenager Marta Kostyuk triumphed in an all‑Ukrainian final at the WTA Open de Rouen, defeating fellow countrywoman Veronika Podrez 6‑3, 6‑4. The match lasted just over an hour and twenty‑one minutes, delivering Kostyuk her second WTA singles title and her first triumph in more than three years. Kostyuk reflected on the historic nature of the encounter: "This match was not just a match; it was a historic moment for Ukrainian tennis.
It’s the first time two Ukrainians have contested a final. I know how much work, sacrifice, tears and sweat go into this sport, and to be on this stage makes me incredibly proud of Ukrainian tennis right now." She added, "We have five players inside the Top 100, and I hope that this match, and the presence of both me and Veronika, will inspire more kids to pick up a racket for the first time, to feel the emotion, passion, and everything that tennis brings." The Stuttgart event, part of the WTA 500 series, continues to attract top talent due to its prestigious history, the allure of the Porsche prize, and its indoor clay courts, which provide a unique playing surface that tests both power and finesse. Rybakina’s ability to dominate on this surface after her hard‑court success in Melbourne demonstrates her adaptability and hints at a potential deep run in the upcoming French Open, where clay specialists will be watching closely.
Fans can follow all the action live on Sky Sports or stream the matches without a contract through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app. Comprehensive coverage includes live scores, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments on both the ATP and WTA tours. As the season progresses, Rybakina’s back‑to‑back titles have positioned her as a formidable contender for the remaining Grand Slam events.
Her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and composure in clutch moments suggest she could add more silverware to her collection before the year concludes. Meanwhile, the rising stars like Kostyuk continue to showcase the depth of talent emerging from Eastern Europe, promising an exciting and competitive future for women’s tennis.