The day`s play at the Mutua Madrid Open concluded with a match between two Grand Slam champions. Tenth seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan defeated Canada`s Bianca Andreescu in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the final match on Manolo Santana Stadium.
Wimbledon 2022 champion Rybakina needed just 1 hour and 17 minutes to overcome 2019 US Open champion Andreescu. This was their first match in over two years, and the outcome continued the pattern of their previous contests: Rybakina now holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Andreescu, having won all six sets played.
Key points from the match between these Grand Slam champions include:
Tracking the numbers: Rybakina dropped out of the WTA`s Top 10 rankings earlier this week, the first time since January 2023. Currently ranked No. 11, she is defending the 390 points earned from reaching the semifinals in Madrid last year.
However, her strong performance last year in Madrid, coupled with an impressive 12-2 record on clay in 2024 (including winning Stuttgart, reaching the Madrid semis, and the Roland Garros quarterfinals), provides Rybakina with significant confidence for the upcoming clay swing.
Although primarily known for her success on faster courts, Rybakina has clearly demonstrated her capability on clay, adding another victory in what appears to be her 2024 clay season debut.
Power plays pay off: Rybakina effectively utilized her powerful game against Andreescu. While the Canadian attempted to control the points by stepping in, Rybakina more consistently dictated the rallies.
Despite hitting more unforced errors (16) than winners (8) in the first set compared to Andreescu (3 winners, 10 errors), Rybakina maintained better control of the key moments. Her errors decreased as the set progressed, enabling her to win the last three games.
Rybakina`s serve was particularly strong, giving Andreescu very few chances to break. She faced just three break points, all in the second set, and saved every one. Her first serve was highly effective, winning 80% of points when put in play.
Nevertheless, Bianca is back: Andreescu`s career has been significantly impacted by injuries since her breakthrough in 2019. However, she can take encouragement from her first-round win against Top 50 player McCartney Kessler, marking her first tour victory since last October.
The former World No. 4 has participated in only two tournaments this season and plans to compete in the remainder of the clay swing, including Rome and Roland Garros. She has gained entry into the main draws of these events, similar to Madrid, using her special injury ranking.
Top 20 clash next: Rybakina faces a significant challenge in the third round against 17th seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. Svitolina, a former World No. 3, recently won her 18th career title on clay in Rouen. Rybakina holds a slight 3-2 advantage in their head-to-head meetings, with their clay encounters tied at 1-1.
More to follow…
