PARIS: Elena Rybakina’s comfort on clay improved as she eased into the third round at the French Open by beating another Czech teenager on Thursday.
The Wimbledon champion, the No. 4 seed at Roland Garros, beat 18-year-old Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen.
“I cannot say that here it’s easy for me. It’s still every match getting better and better,” Rybakina said on court. “It was a bit slippery for me today, I don’t know why.”
She ought to be feeling cosy on dirt after winning the Italian Open, but the 6-foot (1.8-meter) Kazakh is banking most of her confidence on her height advantage.
“This is my good weapon,” she said, “but, at the same time, to move on clay it’s not easy. It’s always I need more to prepare and, of course, be more patient during the rallies.”
The Australian Open runner-up hit 30 winners to Noskova’s 16, though both players had 26 unforced errors.
“I was struggling a lot on her serves,” the Moscow-born Rybakina said.
Rybakina, who beat Brenda Fruhvirtova in the first round, will next face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain.
No. 20 Madison Keys committed a whopping 74 unforced errors in her 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 loss to fellow American player Kayla Day on Court Simonne Mathieu.
The 23-year-old Day, who won the girls’ title at the 2016 US Open, is ranked 138th and came through qualifying to make her Roland Garros main-draw debut. She beat French wild card Kristina Mladenovic in the first round.
Later, defending champion and No. 1 seed Iga Swiatek faces Claire Liu of the United States. Coco Gauff — last year’s runner-up — takes on Julia Grabher of Austria.
Top men in action include two-time major finalist Casper Ruud, No. 8 Jannik Sinner and No. 12 Frances Tiafoe.
No. 18 Alex de Minaur of Australia lost to Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-3.
Rybakina beats Czech teen to reach 3rd round at French Open, Keys loses
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Rybakina beats Czech teen to reach 3rd round at French Open, Keys loses
- The Wimbledon champion, the No. 4 seed at Roland Garros, beat 18-year-old Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-3 on Court Suzanne Lenglen
- “I cannot say that here it’s easy for me. It’s still every match getting better and better,” Rybakina said on court
Eala electrifies packed crowd with remarkable comeback win at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- Filipina star defeated Sasnovich 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 in thrilling encounter to secure quarterfinal spot
ABU DHABI: On a dramatic day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Filipina star Alexandra Eala delivered the headline moment, emerging a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 winner from a thrilling near three-hour epic against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The electric atmosphere at packed Stadium Court proved pivotal as Eala fought back from 4-0 down in the deciding set, with the crowd’s roaring support spurring her on through a dramatic tiebreak victory that secured her place in the quarterfinals. The Filipina star’s remarkable comeback had the stands erupting in celebration.
“The support is really great (in Abu Dhabi),” said Eala following her victory.
“I’ve been in a lot of positions before with a lot of people, but this year has really stepped up a notch. With every match I play in these environments, I’m learning to have fun and enjoy it. What’s special here is seeing the crowd get excited, and knowing there are so many Filipino expats in the region who come together for moments like this. It’s a platform for them to celebrate and share in something they’re excited about. I’m really grateful for that support.”
Earlier in the day, Ekaterina Alexandrova proved too strong for Dayana Yastremska in straight sets, while Czech qualifier Sara Belem produced a stunning upset over former finalist Jelena Ostapenko. British No. 2 Sonay Kartal also advanced, defeating lucky loser Renata Zarazua in straight sets — Zarazua stepping in after defending champion Belinda Bencic unfortunately withdrew due to illness.
On the doubles side, the quarterfinals saw Perez and Schurs defeat Alexandrova and Joint in a super tiebreak, while Khromacheva and Klepac progressed in a closely contested three-set battle. Kenin and Krawczyk advanced via walkover.
