Rybakina opens US Open with straight-sets win over teenager

Elena Rybakina, Kazakhstan's top-ranked tennis player, started her US Open campaign with a 6:3, 6:2 victory over 17-year-old American Tea Frodina in the first round. The 27-year-old, seeded second in the tournament, faced an opponent ranked 585th. Bookmakers saw her as a heavy favourite, offering odds of 1.04 for her win.

Rybakina had to end her Cincinnati quarterfinal prematurely on August 21, reportedly due to a heel or Achilles tendon injury. In New York, she played with a patch on the Achilles tendon. Although she experienced some difficulty in the final three games, she otherwise controlled the match.

The statistics show Rybakina was better than Frodina in first-serve percentage (54% to 44%) and points won behind the second serve (72% to 34%). She also led in total points won, 66 to 45, and converted three of six break points, while her opponent failed to use either of her two chances. Rybakina hit six aces and made three double faults; Frodina recorded 11 aces and six double faults. In winners and unforced errors, Rybakina had a 17-11 ratio to Frodina's 19-21.

This is Rybakina's ninth consecutive year at the US Open main draw; her best result so far was reaching the round of 16 in 2025. At this year's tournament, three players have a chance to replace the current world No. 1. Unofficial live rankings already put Rybakina at the top. Despite expectations that her injury will make it hard to advance deep, she could still become the leader without playing. Americans Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff also need the title to take over the top spot.