Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina has finally received some respect and recognition as she cruised past her Australian Open second-round match at John Cain Arena. After the Australian Open organizers decided to schedule Rybakina’s first-round match on Court 13, many were stunned and disappointed by the lack of respect and recognition for the reigning Wimbledon champion.
The Australian Open organizers seemingly noticed the reactions and they scheduled Rybakina’s second-round match against Kaja Juvan for John Cain Arena. In what was her first match since Wimbledon on a big Grand Slam court, Rybakina destroyed Juvan 6-2 6-1.
Rybakina, who also played her US Open first-round match on Court 12, seemingly was determined to send a message during her match against Juvan.
Rybakina sent a clear message in her win over Juvan
Playing on one of the biggest Australian Open courts, Rybakina came out firing as she claimed breaks against Juvan in the fourth and eighth games to easily win the first set.
After the first two games of the second set, Rybakina and Juvan were tied to one game apiece. Then, Rybakina claimed back-to-back breaks to win five games in a row and complete a win over Juvan in impressive fashion. Rybakina played a flawless match against Juvan as she broke the Slovenian twice in each set.
Also, Rybakina didn’t allow Juvan a single break point. Now, Rybakina is set for a really tough Australian Open third-round test. In her next match, Rybakina will play against last year’s Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins.
When Rybakina and Collins meet, it will be their second meeting of the 2023 season. Two weeks ago, Rybakina recovered from a set down to beat Collins 5-7 6-2 6-3 in the Adelaide 1 first-round. Now, Rybakina and Collins will be playing again and their match will certainly highlight the third round action at Melbourne Park.
The match will certainly be scheduled for a big court and it remains to be seen if Rybakina can beat Collins for the second time this season.
