Elena Rybakina opened her Australian Open campaign with a controlled and efficient victory over Kaja Juvan, reinforcing her status as one of the tournament’s most reliable contenders.
Facing an opponent capable of extended baseline exchanges, Rybakina relied on her trademark power and calm shot selection to maintain control throughout the match, never allowing the encounter to drift into uncertainty.
Early authority from the favorite
Rybakina established her presence early, using a strong first serve and deep groundstrokes to dictate the tempo. By keeping Juvan pinned behind the baseline, she limited the Slovenian’s ability to change direction or take initiative.
The Kazakhstani player’s serve proved particularly effective, allowing her to protect her own service games with minimal resistance.
Juvan’s resistance meets heavy pressure
Juvan attempted to stay competitive by extending rallies and targeting Rybakina’s movement, looking to disrupt the rhythm with consistency rather than outright power. While those efforts produced moments of resistance, they were not enough to consistently trouble the higher-ranked opponent.
Break opportunities were rare, and when they did arise, Rybakina’s composure under pressure ensured they passed without consequence.
Efficiency over force
Rather than chasing spectacular winners, Rybakina focused on percentage tennis. Her ability to finish points decisively when openings appeared, while avoiding unnecessary risk, highlighted a mature approach well suited to Grand Slam conditions.
As the match progressed, the gap in power and shot penetration became increasingly evident.
A solid foundation for the rounds ahead
This opening-round performance offered a clear reminder of Rybakina’s strengths on hard courts. Combining power with discipline, she navigated the match without drama and preserved energy for the challenges to come.
As the Australian Open moves deeper into its early rounds, performances like this underline why Rybakina remains a constant threat in Melbourne.
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137061752
By Hameltion – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=136422450
This match was part of the demanding schedule of Australian Open Day 3.