In a commanding display at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, world No. 4 Elena Rybakina delivered a masterclass to defeat former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu 6-3, 6-2, advancing to the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court event. The 25-year-old Kazakh star, fresh off her 2022 Wimbledon title and three WTA titles in 2024, showcased her signature aggressive style and pinpoint serving to outclass Andreescu, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. The victory, which took just over an hour, reinforces Rybakina’s status as a formidable contender on clay as she eyes her first Madrid title.
Rybakina’s performance against Andreescu was a statement of intent. From the outset, she dictated play with her powerful groundstrokes and relentless baseline game, breaking the Canadian early in the first set. Andreescu, ranked No. 132 and battling to regain her form after injury-plagued seasons, showed flashes of her 2019 US Open-winning brilliance but struggled to counter Rybakina’s depth and pace. “I played really well today,” Rybakina said post-match, her understated demeanor belying the dominance she displayed. “I was hoping to start better, but I managed to find my rhythm and push through.” Her seven aces and 85% first-serve point win rate underscored her ability to control points, leaving Andreescu with few opportunities to mount a comeback.
The Madrid crowd, buzzing with anticipation, witnessed Rybakina’s evolution as a clay-court force. Her 2024 season included a Stuttgart title, where she defeated Iga Swiatek, and a 16-match clay win streak snapped only by Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid semifinals. “It’s not easy to keep coming back and pushing through,” Rybakina reflected, alluding to the mental fortitude required in high-stakes matches. Her victory over Andreescu, a Grand Slam champion, adds to her growing resume of scalps, which includes Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Swiatek. At 25, Rybakina’s blend of power and precision makes her a threat on any surface, but her recent clay success—evidenced by quarterfinal runs at Roland Garros—signals a new level of versatility.
Now, Rybakina faces a formidable challenge in Svitolina, the No. 17 seed, who arrives in Madrid riding an eight-match win streak, including a title in Rouen on indoor clay. Svitolina, a 2018 WTA Finals champion and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, is known for her tenacity and tactical acumen. “She’s a tough opponent, she reads the game well, she defends pretty good,” Rybakina said, acknowledging Svitolina’s ability to mix slices and defensive play. The pair have split their four previous encounters, with Rybakina winning their most recent clash at 2024 Roland Garros and their only grass-court meeting. However, Svitolina’s current form, bolstered by a 6-1, 6-4 rout of Daria Saville in Madrid, promises a blockbuster third-round battle.
Svitolina’s journey adds emotional weight to the matchup. The 30-year-old Ukrainian, a prominent advocate for her war-torn homeland, has spoken about the guilt and resilience that fuel her performances. “It’s a very difficult day for Ukrainian people,” she said after a 2024 Wimbledon win, reflecting on the ongoing conflict. Her ability to channel personal and national challenges into on-court success—evidenced by her 2023 Wimbledon semifinal run—makes her a fan favorite and a dangerous opponent. In Madrid, Svitolina’s recent title and inspired play suggest she’s peaking at the right moment.
The Rybakina-Svitolina clash is a study in contrasts: Rybakina’s cool-headed aggression versus Svitolina’s gritty, resourceful defense. Rybakina leads their head-to-head 3-2, but Svitolina’s knack for grinding out wins could test the Kazakh’s patience on the slower clay. “If I play aggressive, if I’m going to serve well, I have all the chances to win,” Rybakina noted, emphasizing her game plan. Meanwhile, Svitolina’s husband, Gael Monfils, fresh off his own upset of Taylor Fritz at the Australian Open, has been a source of inspiration. “I got inspired after my husband’s win,” Svitolina said earlier this year, highlighting the personal stakes driving her resurgence.
As Madrid’s red clay sets the stage, this third-round encounter promises fireworks. Rybakina, the highest seed left in her section after early upsets, is favored to go deep, but Svitolina’s momentum and emotional resolve make her a wildcard. For fans, the match is a chance to witness two of the WTA’s most compelling figures—a former Grand Slam champion and a resurgent veteran—battle for supremacy in one of the season’s premier clay events. Whether Rybakina’s firepower prevails or Svitolina’s heart steals the show, this showdown is poised to be a defining moment in the 2025 Madrid Open.
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