Kazakhstan's Rybakina wins at start of Australian Open 2026
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan played her opening match at the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2026 season, the Australian Open, Qazinform News Agency reports.
In the first round, Rybakina faced Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan, ranked 100th in the WTA standings, and lived up to expectations by dominating on court to secure a comfortable 6–4, 6–3 victory in just 72 minutes.
Rybakina recorded two aces, committed seven double faults, and converted seven of 10 break points, while Juvan hit one ace, made six double faults, and converted four of nine break points during the match.
Ranked fifth in the WTA, Rybakina entered the match as the clear favorite.
Rybakina will play France’s Varvara Gracheva next.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that a 14-year-old Kazakhstani tennis player has clinched the Ten-Pro Global Junior Tour title.