Elena Rybakina battles sticky Madrid Open conditions to edge tight opener

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Elena Rybakina overcame Elena-Gabriela Ruse 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the Madrid Open.

Rybakina was broken early in the deciding set but managed to recover and book her place in the third round.

It wasn’t her sharpest performance, though there were reasons for that. This was just her third match since an illness forced her to retire from a Billie Jean King Cup tie against Poland earlier this month.

Speaking after the match, Rybakina spoke about how challenging it can be to adapt to conditions in Madrid.

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Elena Rybakina admits she’s still adjusting to the Madrid Open environment

“Well, it was a very difficult match, and today, I basically survived,” said Rybakina.

“It wasn’t my greatest performance, but [Elena] Gabriela [Ruse] played really well; she was playing very deep, aggressive, so it was very difficult.

“Also, my serve wasn’t really helping me today. I think I only served the last four games properly.

“The rest was a struggle, but I’m really happy that I managed to win, and hopefully I can bring better tennis in the next round.

“[After winning Stuttgart] the focus was already here, because the conditions are completely different, so you need to be prepared.

“For now, it wasn’t enough time for me, obviously. But I’m just hoping that I can improve in the next match.”

She finished with just four aces and eight double faults in total. Zheng, like Rybakina, needed three sets to win her opening match at the Madrid Open 2026 over Sofia Kenin 1-6 6-3 6-3 on Manolo Santana Court.

The Chinese player won Olympic gold on clay at Paris 2024 and will be a tough test for Elena this Sunday April 26 (UK Time).