Rybakina dominated Fernandez at the Ningbo Open, winning 6-2, 6-2 to claim back-to-back titles at the event. The victory marks her first trophy since ascending to world No. 1, answering an immediate question about whether she could sustain her level at the sport's highest ranking.
Rybakina came into Ningbo as the defending champion, and she delivered the same clinical tennis that got her there. She never allowed Fernandez a foothold in either set, breaking serve multiple times and controlling rallies from the baseline. The scoreline reflects a performance with zero drama.
This comes at a critical moment for Rybakina. Earning the No. 1 ranking puts a target on your back. Other top players circle you harder. Media questions whether you can actually stay there. A quick title run right after that promotion silences some of that noise, at least for now. She's not just holding the ranking. She's defending it by winning.
Fernandez entered as a solid opponent but simply had no answer for Rybakina's power and precision. The Canadian couldn't establish the aggressive baseline game that's made her dangerous against elite competition.