Elena Rybakina made a triumphant United Cup debut, guiding Kazakhstan to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain at the RAC Arena in Perth on Friday. The reigning Wimbledon champion showcased her formidable power game to level the tie in singles before partnering with Alexander Shevchenko to clinch the decisive mixed doubles.
In other United Cup action, Gao Xinyu pulled off a stunning upset over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia to set up China’s win in their Group E clash. The world No. 175 outlasted the US Open quarterfinalist in a marathon 3 hour, 22 minute battle – the longest WTA singles match in United Cup history.
Rybakina Rises to the Occasion
Facing Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Elena Rybakina wasted no time asserting her dominance. The world No. 6 raced out to a 4-0 lead before her opponent managed to get on the board. Rybakina’s blistering backhand proved too much, securing the opening set 6-2.
The Kazakh star, playing her first match since hiring Goran Ivanisevic as coach for the 2025 season, maintained her momentum in the second set. Another flurry of powerful groundstrokes gave her a 4-2 advantage. Bouzas Maneiro made a valiant last stand, holding three break points at 5-3, but Rybakina’s poise under pressure sealed the 6-3 victory.
The first match is always difficult. It’s not easy to get used that quick but I’m pretty happy with the way I played today.
– Elena Rybakina on her winning United Cup debut
Spain Strikes First
Earlier, former world No. 10 Pablo Carreno Busta put Spain in front with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko. The Spaniard needed just over an hour to dispatch Shevchenko, setting the stage for Rybakina’s crucial victory to level the tie at 1-1.
Rybakina, Shevchenko Seal the Deal
In a gripping mixed doubles decider, Rybakina once again took center stage alongside Shevchenko. The Kazakh duo prevailed 7-6(4), 6-7(2), 10-7 over Spain’s Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers and Carreno Busta in a match filled with momentum swings.
If ‘Lena’ wasn’t carrying me this match we would lose … Thanks to her.
– Alexander Shevchenko crediting Rybakina after their mixed doubles triumph
The victory gives Kazakhstan a strong start in Group C of the 18-nation event. They can book their spot in the United Cup quarterfinals by defeating Greece in their next tie on Monday.
Gao’s Gritty Comeback Propels China
China’s Gao Xinyu, a late replacement for Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, engineered a massive upset over Brazil’s world No. 17 Beatriz Haddad Maia. Gao, ranked 175th, fought through cramps and injury to score a 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 win in an epic 3 hour, 22 minute clash.
I have no idea what’s going on right now. My brain was empty and my whole body was cramping.
– An exhausted but elated Gao Xinyu after her heroic victory
Zhang Zhizhen followed up by routing Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-0 to give China an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Group E showdown ahead of the mixed doubles.
The opening days of the United Cup have already produced high drama and brilliant individual performances. As the tournament unfolds, expect more stars like Rybakina to hit top gear on the road to the title.
