Rybakina Opens US Open With Straight-Sets Win Over Frodin

Elena Rybakina began her US Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 first-round victory over 17-year-old American wildcard Thea Frodin in New York. BBC Sport reported that the second seed controlled the match on serve and from the baseline as she returned to competition following a heel injury.

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The match was Rybakina’s first since she retired during her Cincinnati Masters quarter-final against Iga Swiatek last month. The 27-year-old said her participation at Flushing Meadows had initially been uncertain, and that she went seven days without playing tennis while limiting movement-based gym work during her recovery. She showed no visible signs of discomfort against Frodin, although BBC Sport noted that her movement was not heavily tested.

After beginning the rain-delayed contest with a double fault, Rybakina dropped only three points on serve during the opening set and recorded three consecutive love holds. She did not face a break point until the sixth game of the second set, when she saved both opportunities. Rybakina converted her first three break points to build a one-set, 5-1 advantage.

Frodin was making her WTA Tour main-draw debut after winning the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championship. The world No. 585 extended the contest by saving three match points with aces in her final service game and finished with 11 aces. Rybakina then served out the victory with her sixth ace of the match, which BBC Sport identified as her tour-leading 363rd ace of the season.

The result also kept Rybakina’s push for the world No. 1 ranking on course. She entered the tournament 434 points behind Aryna Sabalenka and can take the top position for the first time by reaching the semi-finals, even if Sabalenka successfully defends the title. Rybakina would also rise to No. 1 regardless of her own finishing round if Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula all fail to win the championship.

Rybakina acknowledged that the ranking race is a source of motivation but said her immediate priorities are rest, recovery and approaching the tournament one day at a time. A two-time Grand Slam champion and this year’s Australian Open winner, she is pursuing her second major title of the season after clearing her opening test in straight sets.