In their late-night final on Saturday, the Wimbledon champion won after Kalinina retired 6-4 1-0. Kalinina retired after suffering a thigh injury.
The rain had delayed most of the play for the day and the match only lasted 65 minutes before Kalinina was forced to retire the match, handing Rybakina the win. The two had previously met in Charleston last year, where Kalinina won.
“Of course, happy with the title,” Rybakina said after her win. “Not the way I want to finish this match.”
“It’s been great, I think, results for Anhelina. She played some tough battles. Really happy for her improvement. Hopefully, she can continue like this. Pity she couldn’t finish the match. I hope that it’s nothing serious. So hopefully she can recover quick and she can continue like this.”
Rybakina becomes the first player this year to win two WTA 1000 titles. She also won the Indian Wells title earlier this year. It also pushes her total of matches won to 28, putting her in second place to Iga Swiatek.
“I’m proud that I can maintain this level,” Rybakina said.
“It’s not easy, with all the scheduling, traveling. I think we’re doing a good job with the team. I can see improvements on the court, physically also. I think we’re on the right way.”
Kalinina played one match in the second game before choosing to retire.