WTA Finals: Elena Rybakina completes group sweep with win over Ekaterina Alexandrova

Elena Rybakina completed the sweep of her group at the WTA Finals with a straightforward victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova, who was called up late.

The sixth seed, who advanced to the semi-finals on Monday, continued her momentum with a 6-4, 6-4 win in Riyadh.

The Kazakh player was scheduled to play Madison Keys, but the American – who was unable to advance – withdrew just hours before the start of the match due to illness.

Alexandrova was the second alternate, but was given the nod after fellow Russian and first choice Mira Andreeva, who is also competing in doubles in Riyadh, declared herself unfit to play.

“Ekaterina was a tough competitor, especially in the beginning it was difficult to come back,” said Rybakina, who beat Amanda Anisimova and Iga Swiatek earlier in the week.

“Every match I play, of course I want to win it. Every win gives you confidence. I hope I can continue.”

Anisimova and Swiatek will compete for second place in the qualifying round from Serena Williams’ group later on Wednesday.

The eight leading women’s singles and doubles players will compete in Saudi Arabia, where a total of £12 million ($15.5 million) will be won in prize money.

In Stephanie Graf’s group, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are still in contention for the semi-finals.

Sabalenka will play defending champion Gauff, while Pegula will face Yasmine Paolini, who was already eliminated from the final round on Thursday.