The Kazakh dominated most of the match with heavy, deep ground strokes and big serves that the Spanish baseliner struggled to handle. But Rybakina immediately broke back, returning Bouzas Maneiro’s serve forcefully to finish the match in just over an hour. Second-seeded Elena Rybakina advanced to the third round of the US Open Thursday, seeing off Spaniard Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4. Rybakina was broken while serving for the match at 5-3 when the Spaniard lifted her level.
Rybakina moved well and did not show effects of a left heel injury that has clouded her prospects in the week before the tournament.
Rybakina Reflects on Strong Performance
Elena Rybakina expressed her happiness after advancing through two rounds of the tournament, stating, “I’m super glad, super happy to be here.” She also conveyed pride in her performance despite facing challenges in her preparation.
But she was forced to retire from the latter event in the quarter-finals due to an injury that made her a question mark heading into the tournament.
She’ll be out for revenge in her next match against Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva, who beat Maria Sakkari 1-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
