Rybakina Defeats Teen, Achieves Milestone Victory at Australian Open

Vegas Tennis Team
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Rybakina Defeats Teen, Achieves Milestone Victory at Australian Open

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Photo credit: Cameron Spencer/Getty

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Elena Rybakina reached an impressive milestone in the vibrant city of Melbourne today.

Rybakina dominated the court, racing through the first seven games to secure a commanding 6-0, 6-3 victory over 17-year-old American sensation Iva Jovic, propelling her into the third round of the Australian Open.

Kyrgios: The Journey Ends

This marks Rybakina’s 50th win in Grand Slam main draws, achieved in just 80 minutes against the youngest competitor in the tournament.

“I started really strong, and I think she needed a little time to adapt to the pace,” Rybakina reflected post-match. “I did face some challenges in the second set, but I’m glad to move on.”

The sixth seed joins compatriot Yulia Putintseva as only the second Kazakh woman to reach the AO third round, with Putintseva overpowering Shuai Zhang 6-2, 6-1 in her second-round match today.

Amidst a swirl of controversy regarding her coaching situation, Rybakina arrived in Melbourne last week with a new strategy. After training under former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, she revealed her intent to reunite with ex-coach Stefano Vukov. However, Vukov is currently serving a WTA suspension and lacked credentials for the Australian Open.

Despite the coaching uncertainties, Rybakina’s dominant power game shined through, allowing her to drop only five games over her opening matches.

With Goran’s guidance, Rybakina showcased an impressive transition game, winning 12 of her 15 net approaches and outpacing Jovic in winners—29 to 10.

“Goran’s a fun guy to work with, and we’re still getting to know each other,” Rybakina shared. “I’m looking forward to capturing titles together. I know I can always refine my serve—it’s crucial for my game. I feel I still have room for improvement, especially after today.”

Rybakina delivered a nearly flawless first set, racking up 18 winners—15 more than her opponent.

The powerhouse player surged through seven consecutive games, showcasing her remarkable talent.

Credit goes to Jovic, who fought valiantly to bounce back into the match. She fended off four break points during a grueling second game of the second set, finally getting on the scoreboard.

This hard-earned hold allowed the world No. 191 to loosen up and swing more freely. Jovic then broke Rybakina and pulled ahead 3-1.

When in top form, Rybakina’s ball-striking is nothing short of immaculate. Although she prefers hitting her forehand crosscourt, her two-handed backhand can fire down the line, which she demonstrated in a series of stunning shots.

Jovic’s second double fault granted Rybakina a critical break point. Taking advantage of a weak second serve, Rybakina blasted a backhand winner down the line, taking a one-set lead at 5-3.

Rybakina sealed her victory with a powerful serve to convert her second match point, setting the stage for a showdown against Dayana Yastremska in the next round.

The 2024 AO semifinalist, Yastremska, dominated her own match, winning 11 of 14 second-serve points in a swift 6-0, 6-1 triumph over Danka Kovinic, taking just 51 minutes.

With only six games lost so far, Yastremska is set to challenge Rybakina for the first time in their upcoming encounter.


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