Clinical Rybakina marches into US Open third round

Elena Rybakina delivered a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to reach the U.S. Open third round.

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I’m really happy with this win today, in the second set she started to go for her shots but I’m happy I managed to close it out

The world number two quickly took control at Louis Armstrong Stadium, racing to a 3-0 lead and closing the first set in 30 minutes. She won three of the first four games in the second set before Bouzas Maneiro fought back and broke Rybakina while she served for the match.

Rybakina regrouped immediately, breaking back in the following game to secure the win. “I’m really happy with this win today, in the second set she started to go for her shots but I’m happy I managed to close it out,” she said on court.

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It’s true it wasn’t perfect preparation at all

The Kazakh player is pursuing a third Grand Slam title and a rise to the top of the WTA rankings. She will face Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva next. Rybakina had retired from the Cincinnati Open before the tournament and said her preparation had focused on recovery and gym work. “It’s true it wasn’t perfect preparation at all,” she said. “I was a bit upset watching everybody practice preparing for the tournament and I was just doing all possible recovery and gym. I’m super happy to be here.”

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I was a bit upset watching everybody practice preparing for the tournament and I was just doing all possible recovery and gym. I’m super happy to be here