Rybakina cruises in US Open opener, closing in on top ranking
Elena Rybakina defeated 17-year-old wildcard Thea Frodin 6-3 6-2 in her first match since withdrawing from Cincinnati with a heel injury. The second seed trails Aryna Sabalenka by 434 points and would become world number one by reaching the semi-finals in New York. Rybakina said she is motivated by the ranking race but is taking it one step at a time.
Rybakina’s victory marked her first competitive action since retiring in Cincinnati, where a heel injury forced her withdrawal. She dropped just three points on serve in the opening set and saved both break points she faced in the second. Her 363rd ace of the season, a tour-leading tally, sealed the match. Frodin, ranked 585th, impressed with 11 aces, including three to stave off match points, but could not sustain pressure against the second seed’s baseline dominance.
The ranking scenario adds urgency: Rybakina trails Sabalenka by 434 points and would claim the top spot by reaching the semifinals, regardless of Sabalenka’s result. She also gains the No. 1 ranking if none of Sabalenka, Gauff, or Pegula wins the title. Rybakina acknowledged the motivation but stressed recovery and daily focus, noting her limited physical preparation before New York.
Rybakina’s pursuit of the world No. 1 ranking could reshape the women’s tour narrative, shifting attention from Sabalenka’s recent dominance to a new rivalry at the top. Fans may see heightened drama in her next matches, as every round carries ranking implications. Her injury management also highlights the physical toll of the season, potentially influencing how players and organizers balance schedules. A successful run could inspire broader interest in Kazakh tennis and elevate Rybakina’s profile beyond Grand Slam titles.