106: Katarzyna Kawa Hits Career-High Rank After Ningbo Open Exit

Katarzyna Kawa Loses to Elena Rybakina in Ningbo Quarterfinals

Katarzyna Kawa fell to world No. 1 Elena Rybakina 1:6, 6:3, 1:6 in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 Ningbo Open in China, Interia Sport reported. The Polish tennis player reached the quarterfinal round after advancing through qualifying and logging four wins, spending six hours and one minute on the court overall, according to Europesays.

Match Breakdown Against the World Number One

The opening set against Rybakina lasted 22 minutes and finished 6:1 for the representative of Kazakhstan, as noted by Interia Sport. Kawa shifted the momentum in the second set to win 6:3, though she missed five chances to pull ahead 5:1. Rybakina reclaimed control in the deciding set, securing another 6:1 win to close out the match.

Rest Decision Precedes Guangzhou Qualifying Withdrawal

The quarterfinal match concluded at approximately 22:00 local time in Ningbo. Kawa faced a tight turnaround, scheduled to play Czech opponent Linda Fruhvirtová the following day in the first round of qualifying for the WTA 250 tournament in Guangzhou. The cities sit nearly 1,400 kilometers apart, requiring a two-hour flight or a ten-hour train trip. Kawa opted to skip the qualifying draw to rest, announcing on Instagram that she was pleased with her progress at the tour level and needed a break.

Kawa Reaches Career-High Ranking Before India Tournament

Despite the quarterfinal exit, Kawa’s performance in Ningbo lifts her to world No. 106, marking a career-high ranking, Europesays reported. Her next competitive appearance is planned for a WTA 250 tournament in India, where she aims to secure a spot inside the top 100 rankings.

More on this story: Kateřina Siniaková advances in Osaka as Peyton Stearns retires

More on Ningbo: Marie Bouzková wins Ningbo opener to face Iga Świątek