Elena Rybakina got her revenge over Madison Keys at the Cincinnati Open and now she is set for a quarterfinal showdown versus Aryna Sabalenka.
At the start of the season, Rybakina lost to Keys in three sets in the Australian Open round-of-16. Playing in the same tournament stage in Cincinnati, the ninth-seeded Kazakh lost a tight opener but then stormed back to complete a 6-7 (3) 6-4 6-2 win in just less than two and a half hours of play.
Down by a set, Rybakina blew an early second-set break. However, the 2022 Wimbledon didn't panic as she earned another break in the ninth game before serving out for the set in the following game. After forcing a decider, the Kazakh registered three additional breaks to complete her comeback.
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Meanwhile, Sabalenka routed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1 7-5. Right out the game, the top seed was all over the Spaniard, breaking the world No. 42 three times.
In the second set, Bouzas Maneiro put up a much bigger fight. But when it mattered the most, the Belarusian collected a key break and served out for the match in the 12th game.
Rybakina comments on facing Sabalenka
When Rybakina and Sabalenka meet in Cincinnati, it will be their 12th meeting. So far, the Belarusian has won seven of their past 11 clashes.
Another tough opponent. We played so many times. It was always such a battle. Hopefully you guys can enjoy our match and hopefully its gonna be good. Thank you for coming and supporting today," the Kazakh said of her upcoming match.
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After completing a revenge mission against Keys, the 2022 Wimbledon champion will look to do the same against Sabalenka, who beat her in Berlin in June.
