Efficient Rybakina reaches US Open third round

Elena Rybakina, the second-seeded player, advanced to the third round of the US Open on Thursday. She defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain with scores of 6-2, 6-4. Rybakina dominated the match with powerful ground strokes and powerful serves that the Spanish player struggled to cope with. Despite having a left heel injury that affected her during the week leading up to the tournament, Rybakina showcased impressive form, finishing the match in under an hour.

Rybakina expressed her happiness and pride in her strong play throughout the two rounds. The 2026 Australian Open champion had been performing well in the US Open warm-up events, reaching the final in Toronto and winning matches in Cincinnati. However, she had to withdraw from Cincinnati in the quarter-finals due to injury, creating doubts about her participation in the tournament.

Now, Rybakina aims to reach the semi-finals and overtake Aryna Sabalenka in the world rankings, needing just three more victories. Her best performance at the US Open was in 2025 when she lost in the fourth round to Marketa Vondrousova. Rybakina will seek revenge against Ukrainian Yuliia Starodubtseva, who defeated Maria Sakkari in their previous match. Starodubtseva had previously defeated Rybakina in the second round at Roland Garros.