New York, 02 September (H.S.): World No. 2 Elena Rybakina, former champion Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and French Open champion Mirra Andreeva produced impressive victories on Tuesday to advance to the second round of the US Open.

Rybakina, who is targeting a third Grand Slam title as well as the world No. 1 ranking, defeated American Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2. The Kazakh player delivered a commanding performance and saved both break points she faced during the contest.

The victory was particularly significant for Rybakina, who had been forced to withdraw from her quarter-final match in Cincinnati earlier this month due to a left-leg injury. Returning to action after the injury, she put together a strong performance and allayed concerns over her fitness.

Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are among the three players who can potentially dethrone Aryna Sabalenka as the world No. 1 in New York. Gauff would need to win her second US Open title to achieve the feat, while Rybakina can also claim the top ranking by reaching the semi-finals.

Gauff Impresses with Improved Serve

2023 US Open champion Coco Gauff defeated Türkiye’s world No. 53 Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4. Gauff made excellent use of her improved serve and dominated the opening set to establish control over the match.

Andreeva Registers Comfortable Victory

French Open champion and fifth seed Mirra Andreeva defeated Indonesia’s world No. 36 Janice Tjen 6-2, 6-2 to comfortably secure her place in the second round.

Keys Also Through to Second Round

Madison Keys defeated Russian teenager Alina Korneeva 7-5, 6-4. Keys struck 21 winners during the match and will next face either Czech Republic’s Lucie Havlickova or Hungary’s Anna Bondar in the second round.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar