Kazakhstan’s tennis player, Elena Rybakina, produced a dominant display to beat Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-4 and reach the third round of the US Open.
The Kazakh, who is aiming to move to the top of the WTA rankings by winning the title in New York, lived up to expectations in the final session at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Rybakina raced to a 3-0 lead and never looked back, closing out the opening set in just 30 minutes. She continued to apply pressure in the second set, winning three of the first four games with clean ball-striking to move closer to victory.
Bouzas Maneiro fought back when Rybakina served for the match, breaking the Kazakh for the first time in the tournament.
Rybakina quickly regrouped, however, breaking back in the following game to seal the win.
“I’m really happy with this win today. In the second set she started to go for her shots, but I’m happy I managed to close it out,” Rybakina said.
The victory also eased concerns over Rybakina’s fitness after she retired from the Cincinnati Open during her preparations for the US Open.
She will face Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva in the third round after she came from behind to beat 32nd seed Maria Sakkari.
“It’s true it wasn’t perfect preparation at all,” Rybakina said. “I was a bit upset watching everybody practise and prepare for the tournament, while I was just doing everything possible to recover and work in the gym. I’m super happy to be here.”
