Covid free Rybakina back to her best

Elena Rybakina came back from a break down in the first set to beat Viktorija Golubic 7-6(5), 6-2 at Indian Wells on Tuesday to reach her second quarterfinal of 2022.

No. 17 seed Rybakina made it to the final in Sydney in January before losing to No.1 Ash Barty.

With a powerful serve and having recovered from Covid, Rybakina won 74 per cent of first serve points against her Swiss opponent and faced only two break points as she won the tie in 92 minutes.

“Here is the first tournament I can say, yes, after corona I’m feeling much better,” she said after the match.

“I’m not coughing. Maybe physically I didn’t have good preparation, didn’t practice much, but at least I’m very happy that now I can play.

“No matter if the shot is good, it’s not good, I’m just happy that now I’m moving, I’m not in the bed.”

Rybakina will face No.6 seed Maria Sakkari on Thursday.

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

US Open 2026 Women’s Day 2

Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…

7 hours ago

US Open 2026 Men’s Day 2

Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4  defeat…

7 hours ago

Venus loses late in 26th USO appearance

Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…

18 hours ago

US Open 2026 Men’s Day 1

Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…

18 hours ago

US Open 2026 Women’s Day 1

Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…

1 day ago

Last-gasp pullout for injured Ruud

Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…

1 day ago