No.4 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan showcased her prowess on clay courts as she advanced to the Madrid Open Round of 16 with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory over Egypt's Mayar Sherif on Sunday.
Rybakina's performance was marked by a strong start, taking a 5-0 lead in the first set and limiting Sherif to just one game. Despite Sherif's resilience, managing to hold serve and break to lead 2-1 in the second set, Rybakina regained control, extending her advantage to 4-3 and ultimately securing her spot in the last 16.
This win marks Rybakina's 14th consecutive WTA victory on clay, placing her alongside tennis legends such as Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Iga ĹšwiÄ…tek as only the fourth player to reach this milestone on the surface. Her consistent performance on clay showcases her adaptability and determination, making her a formidable contender in the tournament.
As Rybakina advances, she sets up a potential showdown with top competitors, keeping fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating her next matches in the Madrid Open.
Reference(s):
Rybakina reaches Madrid Open last 16, Jabeur meets Ostapenko
cgtn.com