Elena Rybakina manages to win her match against the American Sloane Stephens in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) in their duel for the third round of the WTA 1000 in Montreal. The Kazakh will face off against the Russian Daria Kasatkina in the quarterfinals of this Canadian tournament.
It was time for the last game of the day in Montreal, on a Thursday marked by recurring rain throughout the day. Elena Rybakina she wanted to establish herself as one of the title contenders in her first event since Wimbledon. Her debut had been very complicated, needing a comeback to overcome Jennifer Brady. Today’s rival of hers was also American Sloane Stephenswho came from a victory in her debut against Anhelina Kalinina, and then, advancing by walkover due to the loss of Vika Azarenka.
Rybakina, to quarterfinals in Canada
A good start for the Kazakh favourite, making a quick break in the second game to take the lead almost from the locker room, but immediately Stephens was strong on return, recovering the break. After some quick games with command of the service, Rybakina once again made the difference in the sixth game, which the American had controlled with her 30-0 lead, but with consecutive points, the Kazakh placed 4-2 up on the scoreboard. The third seed of the tournament wanted to close the story as soon as possible, and she came out again very aggressive from the return, having two set balls, but the American would save them with her service. Anyway, Rybakina secured the set 6-3.
The tennis player from Kazakhstan continued with a clear trend in favor, deepened by a new break from the opening game of the second set. But again, as in the first, Stephens regained equality in the subsequent game. In the second break of this set, Rybakina would have to receive physio care for a discomfort in her right shoulder, making visible gestures of pain at the professional’s movements. Despite these doubts, the current Indian Wells and Roma champion signed another break to take the lead and give herself the chance to settle the matter with her serve. Finally, and without having to play with her service again, the kazakh sealed the victory with another 6-3 final.
2023-08-11 03:05:04
#Rybakina #seals #pass #quarterfinals #Montreal
