Elena Rybakina reigns supreme in Germany once again.
The Kazakh has secured her second title of the 2026 season, defeating Karolina Muchova in the Stuttgart Open final.
Rybakina looked set to run away with the contest after establishing a 5-2 lead in the first set. However, she was quickly pegged back by Muchova, who levelled the match at 5-5.
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Rybakina remained unfazed, eventually winning the contest 7-5, 6-1.
Following the match, Rybakina paid tribute to Muchova’s excellent performances in Stuttgart.
Elena Rybakina reacts to winning the Stuttgart Open
“First, I want to congratulate Karolina. You had a great week,” Rybakina said during the post-match ceremony.
“I know it’s tough to lose in the final but I hope we play many more together and congratulations to your team for a great week.
“I would like to say thank you to Anke [Huber] and Markus [Günthardt] for such a great hospitality. It’s an amazing tournament, we love coming back here and really enjoying our time – thanks again.
“Thank you to the sponsors and everyone who made this tournament possible. It really feels like home and you just want to come back every year.
“Big thanks to my team. Without you guys, it wouldn’t be possible. Thank you for always pushing to do better and improve every day. Thank you so much.
“Lastly, thank you to you guys for such an incredible atmosphere throughout the whole week. It’s been amazing and thank you for supporting, for cheering. It always keeps us going.
Elena Rybakina’s road to the Stuttgart Open title
- Round of 16: Rybakina defeats Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-4
- Quarter-finals: Rybakina defeats Leylah Fernandez 6-7, 6-4, 7-6
- Semi-finals: Rybakina defeats Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-1
- Final: Rybakina defeats Karolina Muchova 7-5, 6-1
“You feel the love and always want to do better every time. Thank you so much.”
Rybakina’s success further confirms her status as one of the top two players in the world alongside Aryna Sabalenka.
Both Rybakina and Sabalenka will next compete in the Madrid Open, which is scheduled to take place later this month.
Sabalenka is one of only two players to have won the Madrid Open title on three occasions, alongside Petra Kvitova.
Rybakina, meanwhile, has never won a WTA 1000 title on clay.
Karolina Muchova admits Elena Rybakina was ‘too good’
“I’ll start with Elena. Honestly, too good, played really well,” Muchova said during her post-match speech.
She added: “I tried to stop you, but you clearly wanted a Porsche for a second time really bad! You made it tough for me, congratulations.”
Following the speeches, Rybakina climbed into the Porsche by the side of the court, and drove the vehicle onto the Stuttgart Centre Court.
The occasion marked Rybakina’s second title in Stuttgart; the first time the Kazakh has won a repeat title in her career.
As for Muchova, she should take confidence away from what was another very strong week on the WTA Tour.
The Czech star has been a shining light on the WTA Tour this season, as demonstrated by her triumph in Qatar, and by her impressive performances in Miami and Stuttgart.
