RISING Kazakhstan talent, Elena Rybakina has won her second WTA Tour title with a straight sets win in the Hobart International final today. Rybakina downed fourth seed Zhang Shuai 7-6 6-3 in 93 minutes of action. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a ripping summer with a final appearance at Shenzhen and now the Hobart title.

FOR MORE ATP TOUR AND WTA TOUR TENNIS CONTENT, JOIN OUR TENNIS CENTRAL FACEBOOK GROUP

In an impressive serving performance, Rybakina produced 10 aces and won 78.9 per cent of her first serve points, while also converting all three of her break point opportunities. She capitalised on her opponents’ slower first serve, winning 41.7 per cent of the points. Shuai was far from disappointing however, producing a much higher first serve percentage of 70.6, while also safely putting 70 per cent of her second serves in – which led to the Kazakhstani star taking full advantage.

Rybakina’s title comes after her maiden one last year in Bucharest. The title has seen Rybakina move up to 26th on the live rankings – a four ranking spot jump – while Shuai moved up five spots into number 35. The form of the young star could not be more important with the upcoming Australian Open and the fact she is likely to face world number one Ash Barty in the third round if both players make it to the fixture.

Unfortunately for Shuai, she had to accept two runners-up trophies in the Apple Isle, losing the doubles final with compatriot Peng Shuai, while Nadiia Kichenok and Sania Mirza took home the title, 6-4 6-4.