Elena Rybakina Begins US Open Campaign with Strong Victory

Elena Rybakina commenced her US Open campaign with a solid performance, defeating 17-year-old wildcard Thea Frodin in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The world number two expressed her motivation to ascend to the top ranking but emphasized the importance of taking things step by step.

This match marked Rybakina's return to competitive play after she withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to a heel injury. Despite concerns about her fitness, she displayed no signs of discomfort, dominating the match and showcasing her powerful serve and baseline control.

Currently trailing Aryna Sabalenka by just 434 points in the rankings, Rybakina has a chance to become the world number one if she reaches the semi-finals in New York. She noted that her focus remains on recovery and preparation for her next match, stating, "It’s just one step at a time. The most important thing is to recover and listen to the body."

Rybakina's performance against Frodin was impressive, as she faced no break points until late in the second set and converted her break opportunities efficiently. The young wildcard, who recently made her WTA Tour debut, managed to challenge Rybakina at times, but ultimately, the seasoned player secured her victory with an ace, marking her sixth of the match.