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At the US Open, Elena Rybakina returned from injury to defeat 17-year-old Thea Frodin of America 6-3, 6-2. With this victory, Rybakina reached the next round and strengthened her hopes of becoming number-1 in the women’s world ranking.

US Open 2026: Elena Rybakina has made a great start after returning from injury in the US Open, the prestigious Grand Slam tournament of American tennis. Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, defeated 17-year-old American wildcard player Thea Frodin in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the first round match. Despite the injury affecting her preparation, Rybakina maintained a good balance of patience and aggressive play in the match.

This victory is also important for Rybakina because she has recently returned to the court after recovering from injury. Despite limited practice, he effectively demonstrated his service, baseline game and decision-making ability under pressure in the match. Young Frodin, on the other hand, tried to make a comeback on a few occasions, but the experienced Rybakina maintained control in the crucial points.

Rybakina won in straight sets

From the very beginning of the match, Rybakina started putting pressure on Frodin with her long rallies and powerful shots. The young American player tried to present a challenge from her side, but Rybakina won the first set 6-3, winning points at important moments.

After taking the lead in the first set, Rybakina maintained her rhythm in the second set as well. They maintained pressure in the initial games and took the lead in the score. After this, Frodin tried to make a comeback in the match, but Rybakina did not give her consistent chances.

Rybakina had taken a 4-1 lead in the second set. After this, Frodin tried to prolong the match by winning some important points. The American player also saved two match points and saved another chance later on. However, Rybakina did not lose her composure and eventually won the match by winning the second set 6–2.

Big experience for 17 year old Frodin

For Thea Frodin this match was an important opportunity to gain experience on the big stage. The 17-year-old American player got a place in the main draw of the US Open through a wildcard. In front of her was an experienced and successful player like Rybakina at the Grand Slam level.

Frodin showed her ability on several occasions, but in the decisive stages of the match the difference in Rybakina’s experience was clearly visible. Rybakina performed better in pressure situations and forced Frodin to constantly play at her pace.

This defeat must have been disappointing for the young player, but such matches in the domestic Grand Slam can prove to be an important lesson for his career.

Return after injury increased the importance of victory

The importance of this victory for Rybakina is not limited to just reaching the next round. The injury had affected her US Open preparations. She told that after the injury she could not play tennis for about a week. Apart from this, training to the movement was also not done at normal level.

In such a situation, winning in straight sets in the opening match of the tournament can be considered a positive sign for them. Fitness and movement on the court are extremely important in modern tennis, so it is not easy to enter a competitive match with limited preparation.

Rybakina has indicated that she will take a match-by-match approach rather than taking too many risks with her situation. This approach can be especially useful in longer Grand Slam tournaments, where players must go through many difficult matches in a row.

Rybakina strong in the race for number-1 ranking

This edition of the US Open could open the way for another major achievement for Rybakina. She is only 434 ranking points apart from current number-1 player Aryna Sabalenka. In such a situation, her performance in New York can affect the equation of top ranking of women’s tennis.

If Rybakina succeeds in reaching the semi-finals of the US Open, she can become the world number-1 female tennis player for the first time. The special thing is that under some circumstances Rybakina can achieve the top position despite Sabalenka winning the title.

However, the final equation of ranking will also depend on the performance of other top players in the tournament. Apart from Aryna Sabalenka, the performance of players like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula can also affect this mathematics.

Rybakina’s aim is not just ranking

The prospect of becoming No. 1 is certainly a big source of motivation for Rybakina, but for now she has said that she will focus on one-on-one matches. In Grand Slams, it is important for players to focus on match conditions from the beginning rather than paying too much attention to ranking equations.

Rybakina’s game is known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline shots. If she is successful in maintaining her fitness throughout the tournament and staying away from injury problems, she may have a strong chance of going the long distance.

Challenge ahead in US Open

The first round win has given Rybakina confidence, but as the tournament progresses, the level of challenge she faces will also increase. To reach the second week of the Grand Slam, she will have to show her best tennis against top players.

Winning the first match after returning from injury is a positive start for him. Now his eyes will be on the next round, where he will have to maintain his level of fitness, movement and aggressive play.

For Rybakina, the US Open is not just another Grand Slam tournament. A good performance here can take her forward in the title race as well as take her to the number-1 ranking in women’s tennis. This win after returning from injury is definitely a strong start to their campaign.