Elena Rybakina failed to impress in her first match since winning Wimbledon, with the Kazakh dispatched 1-6, 6-2, 6-0 on Monday by Daria Kasatkina in the WTA tournament in San Jose.
The California dream of the newest Grand Slam champion was ended after one and three-quarter hours, with Rybakina admitting she came in lacking preparation after being distracted by victory celebrations over the past three weeks.
“It was a tough week after Wimbledon. I had a lot of things to do,” she said.
“I didn’t have enough time to prepare for the hardcourt season. I wanted to come and try my best.
“I’m just happy that I’m here and I started my matches, so hopefully it will just get better and better.”
Rybakina was broken six times and contributed three of the eight cumulative double-faults struck by both players in the first round match.
Rybakina won when the pair last played at Abu Dhabi last season, Kasatkina played the final here a year ago and scored her 28th win of the season with the knockout of the Wimbledon winner.
Main photo:- Elena Rybakina (KAZ) winning ladies singles final Wimbledon 2022 Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…
Wimbledon on Wednesday brought an end to human linecalling at the most traditional of the…