Elena Rybakina is back to winning ways after ending the Canadian Open in Montreal on a disappointing note.
The Kazakhstani player was very disappointed about the way that experience ended, as the scheduling at the event wasn't very good. They tried their best, and the weather played a part in it as well, but Rybakina wasn't happy with it and spoke up in a way that is not typical for her.
She also admitted that she was unsure about playing in Cincinnati after picking up an apparent injury during the run. She ultimately did participate at the 2023 Cincinnati Masters and overcame a very solid Jelena Ostapenko once more. They played early this year in Rome, where Ostapenko had some nasty remarks about the Kazakhstani player though Rybakina got the last laugh by winning the match.
This one went similarly as she won again, even though Ostapenko won the opening set. Both players struggled with their serve in that one, and we saw quite a few breaks. Elena opened with a 2-0 lead but then allowed Ostapenko to turn it around completely. The players traded breaks once more, ending up in a tiebreak.
Rybakina was up 5-2 in that tiebreak but ultimately lost 6-8. It was very disappointing though it didn't shake her as she returned with vengeance in the next set, taking it comfortably 6-2. Ostapenko does go up and down a lot during a match, so that wasn't so surprising but Rybakina stepped up considerably as well.
The final set saw Rybakina open with an early break setting the tone for the rest of the set. Even so, Ostapenko would get the break back only to lose her serve in the next game. A very good comeback win for Rybakina, with the final score 6-7(6) 6-2 6-4.
She will face Jasmine Paolini in the next round.
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