Kazakhstani tennis player Elena Rybakina has advanced to the third round of the US Open without a fight after her opponent, Australian Ayla Tomlyanovich, withdrew from the competition, Turanews.kz reports vitin the press service of Kazakhstan Tennis Federation.
Rybakina, the 4th seed, was scheduled to face Tomlyanovich, a quarterfinalist in last year’s tournament, in the second round. However, Tomlyanovich announced on Monday that she was withdrawing due to a right shoulder injury.
Rybakina’s next opponent will be 33-year-old Romanian Sorana Kirstia, the world No. 30. Kirstia is a former top-10 player who has reached the quarterfinals of the US Open twice.
The US Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, along with the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. It is currently being held in New York City at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Rybakina is the first Kazakh player to win a Grand Slam title, having won Wimbledon in July. She is also the first player from Kazakhstan to reach the third round of the US Open.
Rybakina is a powerful baseline player with a big serve. She is also a good mover and has a solid all-around game. She will be a tough opponent for Kirstia, but she is also capable of winning the match.
The third round match between Rybakina and Kirstia is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 7.
