Elena Rybakina is safely through to round two of the US Open after beating American player Julieta Pareja.
Rybakina hasn’t had a particularly successful time of things with the US Open, with her best run the third round in both 2021 and 2023.
With coach Davide Sanguinetti now here in her corner, there will be hope that the Kazakhstan performer can flex her credentials and go into the second week for the first time in 2025.
Rybakina lauded Iga Swiatek after losing to her at the Cincinnati Open last week and it would appear that she’d welcome the chance to get retribution on her at the final Grand Slam of the year.
The 26-year-old won Wimbledon in 2022 but as the world number 10, she probably recognises that she could be winning more major titles and that will be the aim for her in the coming years.
Elena Rybakina makes prediction about Julieta Pareja
Pareja is only 16-years-old and as she’s just starting out in the world of professional tennis, there will undoubtedly be more to come from her.
Although she didn’t manage to beat Rybakina, she did leave a mark on her and the world number 10 has now delivered a prediction about the youngster in her on-court interview.
She said: “Really happy with the win. She’s really young and I think she played really well for her age. Nice technique. I think she has a great future ahead. I’m just happy today the serve was working pretty well. The first match is never easy. Overall, happy with the win. Thank you so much for coming and supporting.”
Rybakina can go all the way at the US Open
At 26, it’s a reasonable assessment to suggest that with one Wimbledon crown, Rybakina has underachieved somewhat.
She probably should have more big titles to her name at this stage but there is still time for her to make waves on the WTA Tour.
Rybakina is a likeable player on the tour and from a neutral perspective, her winning big titles would likely be popular.
She highlighted her class by not mentioning her own game too much and instead paying tribute to teenager Pareja.
The teenager will have enjoyed her first foray into the US Open and there will most certainly be more to come from her in the future.
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