French Open: Elena Rybakina moves into round two with straight sets win over Brenda Fruhvirtova

ByEurosport

Updated 30/05/2023 at 16:48 GMT

Elena Rybakina began her French Open campaign with a straight sets win over Czech teenager Brenda Fruhvirtova. The 2022 Wimbledon champion is among the favourites to win her second Grand Slam at Roland-Garros this year and negivated her way through a tricky opening set before finding her rhythm to claim the victory. Stream the 2023 French Open live on Eurosport and discovery+

Elena Rybakina proved too strong for teenager Brenda Fruhvirtova, winning their first round French Open match 6-4 6-2.

Fruhvirtova, 16, showcased her undeniable potential on her Roland-Garros debut, threatening an upset with an early break, but Rybakina proved too strong and can now look forward to playing Linda Noskova in the next round.

"She played really well, especially for me," said Rybakina.

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"I don’t remember what I was doing at her age. If she keeps going like this, she’ll [become] really good.

"We never played against each other. Perhaps I got used to playing against the same players, and that’s why I didn’t start well. It took time to figure out how to play this [match], but overall I’m pleased to come through it. When I’m down it’s nice to hear the support of the crowd."

The early signs were ominous for Rybakina on Court Suzanne-Lenglen after she was finally broken at 4-3 having saved a break point in the previous match. Her teenage opponent was keeping pace and the Wimbledon champion’s resolve was broken by a blistering forehand onto the baseline.

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But Rybakina was quick to regain her composure and broke back immediately, taking advantage of what appeared to be the first sign of nervousness from Fruhvirtova - the second youngest player in the women's draw - whose strange attempt at a drop shot cost her a crucial point at 15-40.

That was the turning point in the opening set as Rybakina’s confidence grew, while Fruhvirtova’s inexperience was perhaps coming to the fore as two unforced errors brought up set point and the 23-year-old made sure with a drop volley.

After cruising through the opening service game of the second set, Rybakina found herself in trouble again on her serve. Fruhvirtova unleashed a cross-court backhand to deliver break point.

It was a similar story to that of the first set, however, as she failed to maintain the break with a hold, Rybakina responding emphatically to bring the scores level at 2-2.

Fruhvirtova saved a break point but she couldn’t deny Rybakina a third successive game, her sixth double-fault proving costly as she trailed 4-2.

While Fruhvirtova was faltering, Rybakina was moving aggressively through the gears and after building three match points, she converted the second to end the 16-year-old’s dream with her third consecutive break.

Rybakina has never been beyond the quarter-finals at Roland-Garros before but on this display she may fancy her chances of a deep run in the tournament.

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