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RIYADH: Elena Rybakina extended her winning streak to eight consecutive matches with an impressive 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory over second-seeded Iga Swiatek in round-robin play at the WTA Finals in Riyadh on Monday.

After cruising past Amanda Anisimova in her opener on Saturday, Rybakina claimed her second win of the week and advanced to the semifinals as the winner of the Serena Williams Group after Anisimova of the US downed compatriot Madison Keys 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the day’s other match. 

Rybakina faces off with seventh seed Keys in her last match of round-robin play.

Rybakina was the last of the eight singles players to qualify for this season’s WTA Finals, and she did so by clinching the title in Ningbo and reaching the semifinals in Tokyo in the last two weeks of qualifying tournaments of the regular season.

“I’ve been playing really well the last few weeks. I was improving each match and of course the results were following after,” said the 2022 Wimbledon champion.

“It’s a great opportunity to play here against the top players. I’m really excited about the next matches and hopefully I can bring the same intensity and the same game.”

Rybakina went into the clash having lost all four of her meetings with Swiatek in 2025, and it looked like she might suffer a fifth straight defeat to the Pole when she dropped the opening set in 35 minutes.

But the Kazakh sixth seed adjusted tactically, utilising her kick serve and big forehand to maximum effect to sweep 12 of the next 13 games and complete the upset in one hour and 37 minutes.

“It’s always very tough to play against Iga; she brings so much intensity on the court. In the second set, I pushed myself, the serve improved and I’m happy I stepped in and played much better,” said Rybakina.

“Mentally I’m happy I stayed focused no matter if I lost the first set; I was still trying to stay aggressive.

“I hope I can keep playing like this for the rest of the tournament.”

JEDDAH: The FIA-certified Aramco F4 ��������n Championship continues to make history this season, with women taking center stage in one of the Middle East’s most competitive single-seater series.

Nearly half of the grid, seven out of 16 drivers, or 44 percent, are women, the organizers stated in a release recently.

Promoted by ALTAWKILAT Motorsport under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, and Aramco as title sponsor, the championship has quickly earned a well-deserved reputation.

The opening rounds at the Bahrain International Circuit delivered four thrilling races, each showcasing the championship’s depth of talent and global diversity.

British driver Kit Belofsky (PEAX) claimed victory in race one, followed by the UAE’s Adam Al-Azhari (VALVOLINE) in race two. Round two saw Al-Azhari strike first before Belofsky sealed another win in race four, continuing their fierce rivalry.

Amid this intense competition, the women of Aramco F4 have emerged as a defining force. Dutch driver Nina Gademan (CARAAGY) stormed to second- and third-place podiums in round one, while Esmee Kosterman (MY-CAR) earned the Best Female Driver Award in round two.

The championship returns home to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the world’s fastest street track, for three back-to-back rounds, Nov. 10 to 11, Nov. 14 to 15, and Dec. 5 to 6.

Leading this charge is �������� driver Farah Al-Yousef (VALVOLINE), a trailblazer whose career embodies the Kingdom’s motorsport evolution.

“With every race, I feel myself growing  technically, mentally, and emotionally,” Al-Yousef said.

“It’s an honor to race at home, in front of my friends and family, and I’m deeply grateful to SAMF and ALTAWKILAT Motorsport for creating this platform. Their support motivates me to push harder every time I’m on track.”

Al-Yousef has represented the Kingdom at the Formula Women Nations Cup Finals in Dubai, was crowned the Saudi Women’s Karting Champion in 2022, and competed as the Jeddah Wildcard in the 2025 F1 Academy.

Joining her on the grid is a lineup of international talent, including Esmee Kosterman (MY-CAR), Ava Dobson (PEAX), Nina Gademan (CARAAGY), Megan Bruce (CARAAGY), Rachel Robertson (ASTOP), and Chiara Batting (Red Bull).

As title sponsor, Aramco continues to support young drivers with technical coaching, performance analytics, physical conditioning, and media training.