World · Malaysia Bureau
Rybakina advances to US Open last 16 with revenge win
World number two Elena Rybakina defeated unseeded Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 to reach the US Open fourth round. The victory avenges Rybakina's earlier loss to Starodubtseva at the French Open.
LSN Malaysia ·
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina progressed to the US Open last 16 on Wednesday with a hard-fought victory over Starodubtseva, securing redemption against the opponent who defeated her at Roland Garros earlier this year.
Rybakina, seeded second in New York, edged past her unseeded Ukrainian rival in a tight opening set decided by a tiebreaker, before dominating the second frame to seal a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 triumph.
The 25-year-old's advance at Flushing Meadows keeps her on track in her bid to overtake world number one Iga Swiatek. Rybakina has been steadily closing the gap in the rankings, and a strong showing in New York could bring her significantly closer to the top position.
With the victory, Rybakina extended her winning streak and demonstrated the form required to challenge for major honours. She will face her next opponent in the fourth round as she continues her campaign towards the latter stages of the tournament.
The result underscores Rybakina's resilience on hardcourt and her ability to overcome previous disappointments against familiar opponents on the season's biggest stages.