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Elena Rybakina, who recently revealed that she does not have a driver's license, was driven around in a brand new Porsche after being awarded the car as a prize for winning the 2024 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
Elena Rybakina faced Marta Kostyuk in the final in Stuttgart on Sunday, April 21. The Kazakh began the match by breaking Kostyuk's serve in the first game and looked comfortable in her maiden title contest at the tournament. The Ukrainian was not given much breathing room, and her serve was broken four times in the match.
Rybakina won 81% of points on her first serve and saved all three breakpoints en route to defeating the World No. 27 6-2, 6-2 in an hour and nine minutes. The former Wimbledon champion fetched €123,480 in prize money and, in addition to the trophy, received a brand new Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo as a gift from the tournament sponsor, Porsche.
Last year's Stuttgart Open champion, Iga Swiatek, turned heads when she drove her blue Porsche Taycan Turbo S onto the court prior to the trophy presentation ceremony. Rybakina was expected to continue the tradition. However, there was a slight twist, as the Kazakh revealed after her semifinal win over the Pole that she does not have a driver's license.
Rybakina was asked about her driving skills after her semifinal win on April 20 and hilariously said that she does not own a driver's license but hoped that winning the Porsche at the tournament would motivate her to get one.
"Well guys, I actually don’t have (a) driver’s license. So it’s gonna be the goal, of course. I mean, I want (it) already for a long time, so that’s a good motivation," she said.
So, to keep the tradition of Porsche being driven on the court intact, Elena Rybakina sat in the passenger seat as Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche, drove the car for her on the court.
Elena Rybakina wins third title on 2024 WTA Tour in Stuttgart
Elena Rybakina now leads the 2024 WTA Tour in terms of tournaments won, with Stuttgart being her third triumph this season. She previously emerged victorious at the Adelaide International and Abu Dhabi Open. All three are 500-level tournaments.
Rybakina also reached the finals at the Qatar Open and Miami Open. In Stuttgart, she had to work extra hard to reach the final. She played marathon three-setters against Veronika Kudermetova, Jasmine Paolini, and Iga Swiatek before winning in straight sets over Marta Kostyuk in the final.
The 24-year-old now also leads the 2024 WTA Tour in terms of matches won (26). She is expected to play at the WTA 1000 Madrid Open next before heading to defend her title at the Italian Open.
