Rybakina beats Shnaider to reach Ningbo Open final

Elena Rybakina defeated sixth-seeded Diana Shnaider 6-3, 7-5 on Saturday to reach the Ningbo Open final, where the defending champion is scheduled to face Leylah Fernandez. Fernandez advanced by beating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 7-5 in the other semifinal. The final is scheduled for Sunday, October 25. No result from the final was reported. Rybakina, the world No. 1, needed 11 set points to close out the opening set against Shnaider. She said the long game on her serve was a struggle, despite creating several chances, and was glad she eventually won it. The match featured serving difficulties, with six aces for Rybakina and 11 double faults between the players, according to the match report. The second set also tested the champion. Rybakina built a 4-3 lead with a break, but Shnaider broke her to love in the 10th game. Rybakina regained the advantage in the next game and served out the match. Rybakina said she needed time to adjust her rally patterns against the left-handed Shnaider. She described the opponent as playing well and said she was pleased to win in straight sets. Her victory puts her in a position to defend the title she won in Ningbo last year. The semifinal was...