Tim Henman noticed the big difference between Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka in the WTA Finals

Elena Rybakina was noticeably better than Aryna Sabalenka in one key area during her WTA Finals victory…

The Kazakh star picked up her biggest win of the year, in her final match of the year, as Rybakina defeated Sabalenka to clinch her maiden WTA Finals title.

She was excellent from start to finish in Riyadh, going unbeaten at the event, to win the year-end championships and jump up to fifth in the world rankings.

Watching the final unfold, former British number one Tim Henman noticed a key difference between the two players during their 14th career meeting.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Henman shared what stood out as the deciding factor in Saturday’s result.

Tim Henman says Elena Rybakina’s serve was the ‘significant difference’ in win over Aryna Sabalenka

Henman believes it was Rybakina’s world-class serve that powered her to victory in the Middle East.

“She [Elena Rybakina] has come into this event and been absolutely brilliant,” he said.

“These two serves, to watch them for two sets, with only one break of serve, I think that emphasises how good their serves are.

“But Rybakina has been the best server on Tour and I think that was the significant difference today.”

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Rybakina hit 13 aces to Sabalenka’s five, as she secured the win in straight sets.

Serving stats from Elena Rybakina vs Aryna Sabalenka

Henman also took the time to comment on Rybakina’s end-of-season form, which saw her sneak into the WTA Finals at the expense of Mirra Andreeva at the 11th hour.

“This year she has gone from strength to strength, and that Asian swing to come in in sixth spot and come in full of confidence, with a lot of matches under her belt, it looked like she still had energy in the tank,” he said.

“That was reflected in the group going 3-0 and then two brilliant matches over the semifinals and finals.

“Another huge victory, she is a Grand Slam champion, but in terms of the foundation to build on, exciting times in 2026, I’m sure.”

The Brit was then asked if he thinks Rybakina is ‘happier’ now, after a tumultuous start to 2025.

“Most definitely,” said Henman.

“There have been challenges for her and her team away from the court, but those look like they are behind her.

“When you see her behind the scenes at the tournament, she looks in very good form. That is emphasised by the way she has been playing.

“When you have that busy schedule and you’re playing a lot of matches, you have to make sure you are in good shape physically so you are not getting those injuries.”

Rybakina certainly looked to be in good shape against Sabalenka, as she reduced her head-to-head deficit to the Belarusian.

Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka’s head-to-head record following the WTA Finals

The Kazakh and Belarusian have now played 14 matches on the WTA Tour over the last six years.

It’s Sabalenka who leads their head-to-head 8-6, but the pair were 2-2 in 2025, as Rybakina began to find success against the world number one.

Only time will tell if Rybakina can close down the gap to Sabalenka in both the head-to-head and world rankings in 2026, but it will certainly be something to look out for…

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