Elena Rybakina pulled off back-to-back comeback wins at the Cincinnati Open, her first time doing this since Montreal 2023. It’s exactly the kind of form you want to see heading into the US Open.
Key Turning Points: Fighting Spirit on Display
Rybakina’s fighting spirit really showed up in Cincinnati. Against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in the second round, she lost the first set 4-6 but then absolutely dominated, winning the next two sets 6-0, 7-5. That third set got pretty tight, with Rybakina having to save break points and keep her cool in a nerve-wracking finish.
Her third-round match against Belgium’s Elise Mertens played out almost exactly the same way. Rybakina dropped the opener 4-6 again and really struggled with her serve, hitting eight double faults. But she found her groove when it counted, taking the match 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. The key moment came when she broke serve at 5-5 in the deciding set.
Rybakina was honest about her serving struggles that day, but she kept fighting and found her rhythm when she needed it most. She said matches like these really boost her confidence.
By the Numbers: Rybakina’s Cincinnati Run
| Round | Opponent | Score | Comeback from Set Down? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Round | Renata Zarazua | 4-6, 6-0, 7-5 | Yes |
| 3rd Round | Elise Mertens | 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 | Yes |
| Next Opponent | Madison Keys (No.6) | — | — |
- Prize Money Earned: $32,840 (with more on the line)
- Ranking Impact: A deep run here could push Rybakina back up the rankings and give her a better seed for the US Open.
- Recent Form: 37-15 record in 2025, with a title in Strasbourg and a semifinal run in Washington, D.C.
Context: A Timely Resurgence
What makes Rybakina’s Cincinnati performance so interesting:
- First Multiple Comeback Wins at One Event Since 2023: Her last run like this was at Montreal, where she made it to the semifinals after several tough three-setters.
- Bouncing Back from Adversity: 2024 was rough for her with illness and injuries causing inconsistent results and a slide from her career-high No. 3 ranking.
- Big Tournament: Cincinnati is a WTA 1000 event and the perfect US Open warmup. Past champions include Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
Career Milestones
- 2022 Wimbledon Champion: First player from Kazakhstan to win a Grand Slam
- 2023 Australian Open Finalist
- 9 WTA Singles Titles
- Career-High Ranking: No. 3 (June 2023)
Player Perspective: Calm Under Pressure
Rybakina’s ability to stay composed and fight back has become her trademark. She’s got that big serve and aggressive baseline game, plus she’s always among the WTA leaders in aces. What really stands out is how calm she stays on court, even when things get tight.
Coach Stefano Vukov said Elena’s ability to reset after losing a tough set is what makes her special, and that she’s learning to trust her game again.
Her head-to-head against Mertens now sits at 5-1 (4-0 on hard courts), and she’s never lost to Zarazua.
What’s Next: Eyes on Madison Keys and the US Open
Up next for Rybakina is No. 6 seed Madison Keys in the round of 16, which should be another tough test. With the US Open just around the corner, this Cincinnati resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time.
Rybakina said every match in Cincinnati is a chance to build momentum and that she’s just taking it one point at a time.
Takeaways
- Rybakina’s back-to-back comeback wins in Cincinnati show she’s getting back to her best form.
- Her mental toughness under pressure reminds you of her peak in 2022-2023.
- A strong showing in Cincinnati could completely change the conversation heading into the year’s final Grand Slam.
As everyone starts looking ahead to New York, Elena Rybakina’s fighting spirit in Cincinnati sends a clear message: she’s back and ready to compete with anyone.
