Elena Rybakina’s consistency on the tour this season needs to be applauded. With only four losses and twenty-four wins, she seats as World No.4. After beating Veronika Kudermetova in her first match in Stuttgart, she again showed strength and character by outclassing Italian Jasmine Paolini to reach the semifinals.
In the opening set against Paolini, the Kazakhstani ace began on the wrong foot, losing 2-0 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix quarterfinal match. But, that was the game-changing point for Rybakina, as she won 20 out of 26 of the remaining points to win the first 6-3.
However, Paolini was not willing to leave without a fight. The Italian who defeated Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16, played so valiantly that she saved three break points, forcing the match into the decider. But in the third set, the Italian was nowhere near the World No.4 as she was beaten 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 ultimately.
During Rybakina’s on-court interview, she expressed content with the results so far.
Every tournament I play, of course I want to win it. Last 2 years I played here weren’t really successful. This year is already much better. I’m happy with the result. I want to keep on going. Thank you so much for all the support guys. It really means a lot and gives me energy to push.
Elena Rybakina said
Elena Rybakina likely to face World No.1 Iga Swiatek in semifinals
Elena Rybakina will face either the two-time Stuttgart champion Iga Swiatek or the former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in the semifinals. It will be a difficult test for Rybakina as she has dropped one set in each of her last two games.
However, after defeating Paolini, Rybakina has now won her last 10 three-set matches. She hasn’t lost a 3-set match since losing the longest tiebreak in Grand Slam history to Anna Blinkova in Australia.
The last time Rybakina faced Paolini she retired their match at the Cincinnati Open, but the Kazakhstan still led 2-1. Despite Paolini’s loss, she will reach a new career-high of No.13 when the WTA rankings are released next week. The Dubai champion looks set to get a Top-10 reach this year if her recent form continues.
Meanwhile, Rybakina will be hoping to win her third title of the season after victory in Brisbane International and Abu Dhabi.
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