Kazakhstan Wins the United Cup Opening Match Under Rybakina’s Leadership

When Kazakhstan defeated Spain 2-1 in the season-opening competition in Perth, Australia, Elena Rybakina made her United Cup debut.

After Pablo Carreno Busta defeated Alexander Shevchenko 6-2 6-1 to give Spain the lead, the 25-year-old, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, overcame Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-3 to tie the match.

In the mixed doubles, Rybakina, the sixth-ranked player in the world, then teamed up with Shevchenko to defeat Carreno Busta and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (2-7) 10-7.

On Monday, Great Britain will play Argentina to start their campaign, and on Wednesday, they will play Australia.

If Kazakhstan wins their second Group C game on Monday, they advance to the 18-nation mixed teams tournament’s quarterfinals.

“The first match is always difficult,” Rybakina explained, making her first appearance since starting work with her new coach, fellow former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic.

“It’s not easy to get used [to it] that quick but I’m pretty happy with the way I played today.”

Perth and Sydney will host games in the third edition of the United Cup until January 5, 2025.

British women’s number one Katie Boulter will play her fiancé Alex de Minaur in GB’s group match against Australia. Earlier this week, the pair declared their engagement.

On Sunday, January 12, the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, gets underway.