Elena Rybakina shines despite health concerns: Dispatches Yastremska to reach Australian second week

Elena Rybakina secured another victory at the Australian Open, defeating Dayana Yastremska (No. 33) 6-3, 6-3 to advance to the tournament's fourth round. The 2022 Wimbledon champion demonstrated her class to claim the win despite a couple of medical time-outs and apparent physical issues.

The World No. 7 had previously delivered impressive performances against teenagers Emerson Jones and Iva Jovic, conceding just five games across both matches. This time, against a more experienced opponent, the 25-year-old reaffirmed her strong form.

Gritty Rybakina overcomes back pain to outclass Yastremska

Yastremska struggled with her first serve, achieving only 50% accuracy, which Rybakina capitalized on by dictating the rallies. While the Ukrainian showed strength on her serve for much of the set, a few opportunities conceded in the fourth game allowed Rybakina to gain the upper hand and close out the set 6-3.

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During the break, Rybakina requested a medical time-out for apparent lower back pain, while Yastremska took a toilet break, delaying the match for several minutes. Upon resumption, Rybakina appeared untroubled physically but faced serving inconsistencies, enabling Yastremska to break and lead 2-0.

However, the Kazakh responded strongly, winning the next four games in a row by capitalizing on her opponent’s frequent unforced errors to seize a 4-2 lead. Both players held serve until the decisive moment when Yastremska served at 5-3 in a marathon game. Rybakina attempted to close out the match before returning to serve but squandered five match points in a lengthy 24-point game, during which Yastremska managed to stay alive.

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Rybakina received treatment from the physio again after 5-4 but ensured the match didn’t extend further when it was her turn to serve, sealing the victory 6-3, 6-3. The former No. 3 secured a win that was challenging to close out but one she largely controlled overall.

The 2023 Aussie Open finalist remains unbeaten in sets and advances to the 4th round of the tournament, though questions linger about her health. Her next challenge will be against the winner of the all-American clash between Danielle Collins (No. 11) and Madison Keys (No. 14).

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