Rybakina eases past Frodin in US Open opener after injury scare

Elena Rybakina made a successful start to her US Open campaign on Tuesday, defeating American wildcard Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 in the first round at Flushing Meadows. The second seed completed the victory in one hour and 14 minutes after the match had been delayed by rain, according to reports from BBC Sport and the WTA.

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Rybakina controlled the contest with her serve and return game. The WTA reported that she faced only two break points, both while leading 4-1 in the second set, and saved each with an unreturned serve. She broke Frodin three times and closed the match with an ace, her sixth of the contest.

The result also offered an encouraging fitness update for the Australian Open champion. Rybakina had not competed since a left ankle injury forced her to retire during her Cincinnati match against Iga Swiatek two weeks earlier. BBC Sport reported that she had gone seven days without playing tennis and had also been limited in the movement work she could complete in the gym.

Rybakina arrived in New York with an opportunity to rise to world number one for the first time. The WTA said a run to the semifinals would guarantee that outcome. She could also take top spot without reaching the last four if Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff all fail to win the title, leaving the ranking race dependent on results across the draw.

Frodin, 17, was making her first WTA Tour main-draw appearance after winning the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championship to earn a wildcard. Ranked 585th, she produced 11 aces and reached 122mph with her fastest serve, according to the WTA. She also saved three match points with aces in her final service game before Rybakina served out the win.

The performance was not a complete test of Rybakina’s recovery because extended rallies were limited, a point noted in both reports. However, she showed no visible sign of discomfort during the match and advanced without dropping a set. Her US Open campaign now continues in the second round as both her fitness and the race for the top ranking remain under scrutiny.