Ashlyn Krueger caused the first upset by defeating Elena Rybakina after a hard-fought 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory. The world No. 40 was sharper in the key moments in a duel where both players were precise with their serves. It’s the 20-year-old’s first win against a top-10 player.
Rybakina hadn’t lost in the first round of a tournament since the 2024 Cincinnati Open last August, when she fell to Leylah Fernandez. The Kazakh will now have to shift her focus to the clay swing after a disappointing Sunshine Double that will see her drop to world No. 9.
Steady Krueger claims first set
A match marked by strong serving and very few rallies. Both players started by holding serve, and Krueger (No. 40) was the first to break after a couple of errors from Rybakina (No. 8).
The 20-year-old held onto her serve to stay ahead, even though she couldn’t do much on return. With three set points in her favour, she eventually took the set 6-4, with just one break making the difference.
The Kazakh had a 54% first serve in, winning 86% of those points, while on the other side, Krueger posted an impressive 81% first-serve percentage, winning 68% of those points. The difference was clear on second serve, with Krueger winning 100% compared to Rybakina’s poor 42%.
Flawless serving sees Rybakina level the match
This time, Rybakina showed she was determined to take control and avoid surprises. The former world No. 3 was simply flawless on serve, winning 100% of her service points, both on her first and second serves.
Although Krueger initially held her serve in a tight start, a game full of errors from the American changed the match. When Rybakina broke at 3-2, she seemed to regain her confidence, while Krueger’s level dropped noticeably, appearing insecure on serve for the only time in the set. Still, the American maintained her serving consistency and never allowed Rybakina to be as aggressive as she usually is.
Krueger holds her nerve to seal stunning upset.
Both players maintained the tone of most of the match — hardly any rallies, with points rarely lasting more than four shots. Early on, Krueger managed to break serve, ending a streak of five consecutive games won by the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
The set reached 2-2 with neither facing too much trouble on serve. However, Rybakina’s errors began to show as she tried to take the initiative in the latter stages but couldn’t put Krueger’s serve under threat. The American showed remarkable composure in the third set, securing a crucial break in the fifth game that gave her a vital advantage.
The home favourite squandered a second break opportunity and later faced the pressure of saving a break point but managed to hold for 5-3. Although Rybakina seemed to have a chance to fight back, Krueger ultimately closed out the victory 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
Match Statistics Krueger vs. Rybakina
| Krueger | VS | Rybakina |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 4 | Aces | 5 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 70% (58/83) | 1st Service Percentage | 58% (43/74) |
| 66% (38/58) | 1st Service Points Won | 81% (35/43) |
| 67% (16/24) | 2nd Service Points Won | 58% (18/31) |
| 50% (2/4) | Break Points Saved | 33% (1/3) |
| 86% (12/14) | Service Games | 86% (12/14) |
| Return | ||
| 19% (8/43) | 1st Return Points Won | 34% (20/58) |
| 42% (13/31) | 2nd Return Points Won | 33% (8/24) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 50m | Match Duration | 1h 50m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 3visitors 3
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
