Rybakina bags double victory in Montreal tournament.
Elena Rybakina Falls Short in Montreal Semi-Finals
Elena Rybakina, the ninth-ranked player, had a strong run at the 2023 Banque Nationale Open in Montreal, reaching the semi-finals before falling to 18-year-old Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko. The match was a closely contested one, with Mboko emerging victorious with scores of 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(4).
Rybakina's journey to the semi-finals was not without its challenges. In her quarter-final match against Marta Kostyuk, she struggled with her serve and found herself battling for over two hours and thirty-one minutes. Rybakina expressed relief after the gruelling match, speaking to the media fifty minutes after her quarter-final concluded.
Kostyuk, who retired due to a right wrist issue, confirmed her decision in an audio clip shared by Tennis Canada. The injury is not considered serious, according to Kostyuk's statement. The retirement was linked to the upcoming US Open, with Kostyuk stating that she did not want to take any risks before the major tournament.
The match between Rybakina and Kostyuk resulted in only 71 points, with 67 points if you exclude the four double faults. Kostyuk threw her racket in frustration during the match, adding to the intensity of the encounter.
Rain disrupted the tournament throughout the week, causing frustration for players and spectators alike. The finals were particularly affected, with Rybakina starting her quarter-final a little before midnight and finishing late. The late customers of the Brasserie Cherrier were asked to settle their bills around the time Rybakina finished her quarter-final.
Rybakina's performance this year was a significant turnaround, considering the chaos she faced in the 2023 edition of the tournament. In comparison, Rybakina's 2021 performance at the Jarry Park tournament (also known as the National Bank Open in Montreal) is not detailed enough to describe her results fully. However, it is known that she advanced at least to the semifinals in both years, demonstrating her consistent strong showing in the event.
Mboko's victory was notable for being her first career WTA semifinal and her longest match to date, marking a significant upset against the more experienced Rybakina. Rybakina expressed sympathy for Kostyuk, wishing her a speedy recovery.
In the aftermath of her defeat, Rybakina plans to work on her serve the next day, aiming to bounce back from this setback. The US Open is just around the corner, and Rybakina will be looking to make a strong showing there.
Tennis player Elena Rybakina had a tough match in the semi-finals of the 2023 Banque Nationale Open, losing to the young Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko. Despite this, Rybakina showed a strong commitment to personal growth and has vowed to work on her serve in preparation for the upcoming US Open, aiming for justice on the court. In the world of sports, every loss is an opportunity for growth and learning, particularly in sports that demand precision and discipline like tennis.
