Rybakina off the mark in Cincinnati
Elena Rybakina earned her second victory since claiming the Wimbledon title, defeating Egyptian Mayar Sherif 6-3, 6-2 on Monday at the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Masters.
The world number 25 set up a second-round clash with eighth seed Garbine Muguruza, title-winner here in 2017.
Rybakina’s success rate since defeating Ons Jabeur in the All England Club final has been modest, with a first-round defeat at the Silicon Valley event and a 1-1 record last week in Toronto.
“I was slow at the beginning but I got my rhythm and served well,” Rybakina said. “But my serve always helps me.”
The newest Grand Slam champion said she is trying to look ahead in her career as she adjusts to her status.
“Wimbledon gave me confidence but now I’m focusing on my other tournaments and trying not to think of the past,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to playing as much as i can here.”