Elena Rybakina Shines in Kazakhstan's Win at United Cup

Elena Rybakina marked her United Cup debut with a key role in helping Kazakhstan secure a 2-1 victory over Spain in the season-opening tournament in Perth, Australia. The 25-year-old Wimbledon champion from 2022, ranked sixth in the world, defeated Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-3 to level the tie after Pablo Carreno Busta had given Spain the lead with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko.

Rybakina then teamed up with Shevchenko in the mixed doubles to secure a thrilling 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (2-7), 10-7 win over Carreno Busta and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers, clinching the decisive point for Kazakhstan. With this victory, Kazakhstan’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 18-nation mixed teams event now hinge on a win against Greece in their next Group C match.

This marked Rybakina’s first match since working with new coach Goran Ivanisevic, a fellow Wimbledon champion and she expressed satisfaction with her performance, despite acknowledging the challenge of adjusting quickly in the first match. The third edition of the United Cup runs until January 5, 2025 with matches in both Perth and Sydney. Great Britain is set to begin their campaign with a match against Argentina on Monday followed by a showdown with Australia on Wednesday.

Notably, British number one Katie Boulter will face her fiancé, Australian Alex de Minaur in their group fixture against Australia. As the United Cup progresses, Elena Rybakina’s victory is a promising start for Kazakhstan, who will aim to continue their strong form as they vie for a spot in the next round. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, begins on January 12, 2025.