United Cup Tennis: Rybakina Leads Kazakhstan to Victory Over Spain

Elena Rybakina led Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory over Spain at the United Cup in Perth on Friday.

Rybakina, ranked sixth and making her debut in the United Cup, defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-3 in the singles match before teaming up with Alexander Shevchenko to clinch the decisive mixed doubles match.

Kazakhstan could advance to the quarterfinals of the 18-team mixed-gender tournament if they beat Greece in their second Group C match on Monday.

Pablo Carreño Busta had earlier given Spain the lead by defeating Shevchenko 6-2, 6-1 in less than an hour. However, Rybakina’s victory in singles brought Kazakhstan back on level terms.

Rybakina dominated with strong baseline shots, taking a 4-0 lead before Bouzas Maneiro fought back to win two games. Rybakina quickly regained control, breaking serve without dropping a point to claim the opening set.

The 25-year-old extended her lead in the second set with powerful backhands, sealing the victory with her aggressive play.

After her singles win, Rybakina returned to the court with Shevchenko to defeat Bouzas Maneiro and Carreño Busta 7-6, 6-7, 10-7 in the mixed doubles match.

Shevchenko praised his partner: “If it wasn’t for Rybakina, we would have lost. The win is all thanks to her.”