Elena Rybakina’s third-round match at the 2025 Cincinnati Open was a heart-pounding spectacle that showcased her resilience and fighting spirit. The 26-year-old Kazakh, seeded ninth and ranked world No. 10, battled past No. 19 seed Elise Mertens in a grueling 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory that stretched over two hours and twelve minutes under the Ohio night sky. Despite a staggering ten double faults, including an uncharacteristic eight in the first set alone, Rybakina dug deep to secure her place in the round of 16, setting up a blockbuster clash with American Madison Keys. Her ability to rebound from a shaky start and navigate a tense finish proved why she remains a formidable force as she prepares for the US Open.
The match began with Rybakina struggling to find her rhythm, particularly on serve. Her first set was marred by inconsistency, as she sprayed eight double faults and lost her serve twice, allowing Mertens to capitalize and claim the opener 6-4. “In the first set I struggled a lot. I think I never did so many double faults. Something for me to learn,” Rybakina admitted post-match, reflecting on her serving woes with a mix of candor and determination. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, known for her powerful baseline game and commandingయ
System: commanding serve, appeared rattled, but her mental toughness shone through in the second set. Breaking Mertens early in the second game, she leveled the match at 6-3, regaining control with sharper groundstrokes and fewer errors. The third set was a rollercoaster, with both players trading blows in a high-intensity battle. Rybakina faced three break points in the sixth game but held firm, showcasing her resolve. “Happy in the end I managed to find my game,” she told the crowd, thanking them for staying late into the evening. The decisive moment came in the 11th game, where Rybakina secured a crucial break, followed by a composed service game to seal the 7-5 decider.
This victory marked Rybakina’s second consecutive comeback in Cincinnati, having battled from a set down to defeat Renata Zarazua 4-6, 6-0, 7-5 in the second round. Her 39-15 win-loss record in 2025 reflects a strong season, bolstered by a title in Strasbourg and a semifinal run in Washington. However, her serving struggles in Cincinnati—10 double faults against Mertens—echoed earlier challenges, such as nine double faults in her Canadian Open quarterfinal against Dayana Yastremska. Despite these setbacks, Rybakina’s ability to win long matches, like her two-and-a-half-hour Montreal thriller, underscores her readiness for the US Open’s grueling demands. “Well, of course, a little bit getting tired of my issues, but we’re managing,” she said in Montreal, hinting at her ongoing efforts to overcome physical niggles and maintain peak form.
Rybakina’s journey to the Cincinnati round of 16 was a testament to her growth since her 2022 Wimbledon triumph, where she became Kazakhstan’s first Grand Slam champion. Born in Moscow and switching to represent Kazakhstan in 2018, Rybakina has faced scrutiny over her Russian roots, but her focus remains on the court. Her nine WTA titles, including two WTA 1000 crowns at Indian Wells and Rome in 2023, highlight her pedigree. Against Mertens, her baseline power and improved serving in the final sets—hitting only two double faults after the first—proved decisive. “Thank you so much guys for staying so late,” she said, acknowledging the fans’ support during the late-night drama.
Next up, Rybakina faces Madison Keys, who leads their head-to-head 3-2, in what promises to be a high-octane encounter. Keys, fresh off a 6-4, 6-0 rout of Japan’s Aoi Ito, presents a familiar challenge, having defeated Rybakina in the 2022 Cincinnati quarterfinals. Rybakina’s recent form, including straight-set wins over top players like Maria Sakkari at Wimbledon, suggests she’s peaking at the right time. Despite a controversial 2024 season marked by a coaching scandal and injury setbacks, including a back issue and bronchitis that sidelined her from the Paris Olympics, Rybakina’s Cincinnati performance signals a return to her best. As she eyes a deep run at the US Open, her ability to overcome adversity, as seen in this thrilling victory, makes her a player to watch in New York.
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