New York, 04 September (H.S.): World No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan produced a commanding performance to defeat Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4 and advance to the third round of the US Open.

Rybakina dominated from the outset in Thursday’s match at Louis Armstrong Stadium. She raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set and wrapped it up 6-2 in just 30 minutes.

The Kazakh continued her aggressive approach in the second set, winning three of the first four games to strengthen her grip on the contest and appear on course for a comfortable victory.

However, Rybakina dropped her serve for the first time while serving for the match. Bouzas Maneiro attempted a strong comeback, but Rybakina quickly regained her composure and broke her opponent’s serve in the very next game to close out the match 6-4.

After the victory, Rybakina said, “I’m very happy with today’s win. In the second set, she showed more confidence in her shots, but I’m glad I managed to finish the match.”

Rybakina is aiming to claim the title in New York this year and move to the top of the WTA rankings. With this victory, she also kept her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title alive.

Questions had been raised over Rybakina’s fitness after she retired from her match at the Cincinnati Open before the tournament due to injury. However, she has looked in impressive form at the US Open so far.

“It wasn’t the perfect preparation. I was a little disappointed that everyone else was preparing for the tournament while I was just focusing on recovery and doing the necessary work in the gym. I’m extremely happy to be here,” she said.

In the third round, Rybakina will face Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva. Starodubtseva secured a notable comeback victory over 32nd seed Maria Sakkari after falling behind in the match.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar