Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, kicked off her 2025 Berlin Ladies Open campaign with a commanding performance, defeating American lucky loser Ashlyn Krueger 6-3, 7-6(3) in the first round on June 17, 2025. The highly anticipated clash with World No. 4 Zheng Qinwen was derailed by the Chinese star’s withdrawal due to a neck injury, leaving fans disappointed but Rybakina unfazed. The Kazakhstani, celebrating her 26th birthday, adapted seamlessly to face Krueger, showcasing her grass-court prowess and reinforcing her status as a Wimbledon favorite. The victory, marked by a celebratory bouquet of flowers from the tournament organizers, set the stage for an intriguing second-round matchup against Katerina Siniakova.
The buildup to the Berlin opener had promised a blockbuster showdown between Rybakina, ranked No. 11, and Zheng, fresh off a career-high ranking and a semifinal run at the Queen’s Club Championships. Zheng’s withdrawal, announced hours before the match, thrust Krueger, ranked No. 33, into the spotlight as a last-minute replacement. “I was really looking forward to the challenge of playing Qinwen,” Rybakina said post-match, her tone reflecting a mix of disappointment and focus. “But Ashlyn played a really great match, and I’m happy with how I handled it.” The late switch tested Rybakina’s adaptability, but her performance underscored why she remains a formidable force on grass, where she boasts a 34-12 career record.
Rybakina’s command was evident from the outset. She broke Krueger early in the first set, capitalizing on a wayward forehand to take a 3-1 lead, and closed it out with a barrage of powerful serves, dropping just four points on her delivery. The second set proved trickier, with Krueger elevating her game, landing 72% of her first serves and pushing Rybakina to a tiebreak. “She really stepped up, especially in the second set,” Rybakina noted, acknowledging Krueger’s resilience. A critical forehand winner at 3-3 in the tiebreak shifted momentum, and Rybakina sealed the match with a pinpoint ace, wrapping up the one-hour, 38-minute battle. Her 10 aces and 78% first-serve point win rate highlighted her grass-court dominance.
The victory comes at a pivotal moment for Rybakina, who has endured an up-and-down 2025 season. With 27 wins and titles in Strasbourg and Abu Dhabi, she’s shown flashes of brilliance, but a recent quarterfinal loss to Tatjana Maria at Queen’s exposed vulnerabilities, particularly under pressure, where she saved only two of five break points. Her Berlin performance, however, signals a return to form. “I’m feeling good on grass again,” Rybakina said, her confidence buoyed by memories of her 2024 Berlin quarterfinal run and Wimbledon semifinal. The birthday celebration, complete with flowers presented courtside, added a festive note to her triumph. “It’s a special day, and starting the tournament like this feels great,” she added, smiling.
Krueger, despite the loss, earned plaudits for her spirited display. The 21-year-old American, who stepped in with little preparation, pushed Rybakina with aggressive baseline play and nearly forced a third set. “Ashlyn showed she belongs at this level,” a commentator noted, highlighting her potential as a rising star. For Rybakina, the win sets up a challenging second-round clash with Siniakova, against whom she holds a narrow 4-3 head-to-head edge. The Czech’s crafty game, blending slices and net play, promises a contrast in styles, with Rybakina favored at -200 odds to advance.
Zheng’s withdrawal, attributed to a right neck injury, raises concerns about her Wimbledon readiness, especially with the grass-court season’s tight schedule. Her absence, alongside Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal due to a back injury, has reshaped the Berlin draw, giving players like Krueger unexpected opportunities. Zheng’s recent grass-court success, including victories over Raducanu and McCartney Kessler at Queen’s, had positioned her as a dark horse for Wimbledon, where she’ll enter as the No. 4 seed. “Hopefully she can fully recover before Wimbledon,” a fan posted online, reflecting the tennis community’s concern.
As Rybakina advances, her Berlin campaign carries added weight. With a 2-1 head-to-head lead over Zheng, including a 1-0 edge on grass, she was favored to win the original matchup. Now, with her sights set on a deep run in Berlin and a third Wimbledon title, Rybakina’s ability to handle unexpected challenges like Krueger’s gritty performance bodes well. The Berlin Ladies Open, with its star-studded field including Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka, promises more fireworks, but Rybakina’s opening statement has set a high bar.
Leave a Reply