In a thrilling start to the 2023 United Cup, Elena Rybakina emerged as a powerhouse for Kazakhstan, leading her team to a closely contested 2-1 victory over Spain at the RAC Arena in Perth. This match marked Rybakina’s debut in the prestigious mixed teams tournament, and she did not disappoint. Under the bright lights of the arena, she unveiled her remarkable talent, pervasive determination, and the benefits of her new coaching partnership with Goran Ivanisevic.
Rybakina had a strong singles performance against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, effortlessly dominating the match with final scores of 6-2 6-3. Right from the beginning, Rybakina showcased her aggressive gameplay, racing to an impressive 4-0 lead in the second set. Although Bouzas Maneiro attempted a comeback, Rybakina’s relentless backhand winners sealed her victory and leveled the match after Pablo Carreno Busta had given Spain an early lead by defeating Alexander Shevchenko.
In the mixed doubles, Rybakina teamed up with Shevchenko to clinch the decisive match against Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Carreno Busta. The final score reflected a rollercoaster encounter that tested both duos: Rybakina and Shevchenko triumphed with a 7-6(4) 6-7(2) 10-7 record. Shevchenko acknowledged Rybakina’s pivotal role in their success, humorously noting, “If ‘Lena’ wasn’t carrying me this match, we would lose.”
Kazakhstan’s victory laid a strong foundation for their upcoming encounter against Greece, as they aim to progress further in this 18-nation event.
Gao Xinyu’s Stamina and Grit
Simultaneously, China’s rising star Gao Xinyu delivered a stunning performance that highlighted the resilience present within emerging players in the tournament. Battling through intense cramps and physical exhaustion, she faced Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 17th-ranked player globally, in what would become the longest WTA singles match in the history of the United Cup—lasting a grueling three hours and 22 minutes.
Despite suffering during the match, Gao secured a remarkable victory, winning 5-7 6-4 7-5. Her incredible endurance and mental toughness were on full display, especially as she substituted for Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen. After the match, she humbly stated, “I have no idea what’s going on right now. My brain was empty, and my whole body was cramping,” showing us the sheer intensity and dedication required at this level of competition.
China also showcased its strength in the men’s singles event, with Zhang Zhizhen achieving a quick victory of 6-3 6-0 against Thiago Monteiro. This victory solidified China’s dominant performance, giving them an unassailable lead of 2-0 in their Group E clash before heading into the mixed doubles.
As the tournament progresses, both Kazakhstan and China have captured the attention of fans and competitors alike. Their impressive performances have set the stage for exciting matches ahead, highlighting not just the skills of their star players but the spirit of teamwork, resilience, and dedication present in international tennis. With significant encounters on the horizon, one cannot help but wonder how far these underdogs can go in their quest for glory at the United Cup.