Elena Rybakina marked her United Cup debut by helping Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory over Spain at the season-opening tournament held in the vibrant city of Perth, Australia. The atmosphere at the tournament was electric, filled with fans eager to see top-tier tennis action from some of the world’s best players.
The 25-year-old Rybakina, who gained significant acclaim as the Wimbledon champion in 2022, showcased her skills by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in a commanding performance, winning with a score of 6-2, 6-3. This win was crucial, especially after Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta had put his team in the lead by overpowering Alexander Shevchenko with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-1.
Following her singles match, Rybakina teamed up with Shevchenko in the mixed doubles. Together, they faced the duo of Carreno Busta and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (2-7), 10-7. This match not only highlighted Rybakina’s prowess on the court but also her ability to collaborate effectively with her teammate under pressure.
Looking ahead, Great Britain is poised to start their campaign against Argentina on Monday, followed by a highly anticipated match against Australia on Wednesday. As the tournament unfolds, Kazakhstan is aiming for a spot in the quarter-finals of the 18-nation mixed teams event. To achieve this, they must secure a victory against Greece in their second Group C match on Monday.
Rybakina, participating in her first tournament since beginning training with prominent former Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic as her new coach, reflected on her performance, stating, “The first match is always difficult. It’s not easy to get used to it that quick but I’m pretty happy with the way I played today.” Her coaching change appears to be influencing her approach positively, and fans are eager to see how this partnership will progress throughout the season.
The third edition of the United Cup runs until January 5, 2025, with matches being held in both Perth and Sydney. This tournament offers a unique platform for players to showcase their talents in a mixed-gender format, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the event.
In another exciting story, Great Britain’s group fixture against Australia will feature a personal touch, as British women’s number one Katie Boulter is set to face off against her fiancé, Alex de Minaur. The couple recently announced their engagement, adding a narrative twist to the competition.
As the tennis season kicks into high gear, the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 12, promising exhilarating matches and stories that will captivate fans around the globe. The anticipation for this tournament builds as players prepare to battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
World of sports 
Leave a comment