Italian Open Highlights: Rybakina BEAT Ostapenko – Elena Rybakina advanced to her maiden final in the Italian Open 2023. She defeated 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4 in the semifinals on Saturday, 20th May 2023. Rybakina rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to seal the victory after 1 hour and 33 minutes. Follow Italian Open 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Elena Rybakina defeats Jelena Ostapenko in Italian Open semifinal
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With a title in Indian Wells and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Miami, Rybakina has secured a Top 5 debut by virtue of her progress in Rome. She now has a chance to secure a Top 4 seeding at Roland Garros if she wins her second WTA 1000 title of the year on Saturday.
Rybakina began the contest with a 4-1 lead after breaking Ostapenko twice. She went on to seal the opening set with her fifth ace of the match after 43 minutes. However in the second set, Ostapenko made a strong comeback.
She broke Rybakina’s serve for the first time to 2-0. As rain began to fall more heavily, she saved a break point to extend her lead to 4-1. After a short suspension of play due to rain, Ostapenko fell behind on her serve at 4-2. When play resumed, Ostapenko won just four points for the remainder of the match as Rybakina sealed her comeback.
“I didn’t start that well the second set,” Rybakina said. “A bit low in energy, lost my serve. So it was difficult. Then a few good shots from her, good serves. It changed very quick. The same time, I knew it’s only one break and I just need to be focused and fight for every ball because you never know, either you get the winner or it’s going to be some mistake.”
“I’m just happy that I got so many matches now before French Open,” she set. She is now set to face Anhelina Kalinina in the final on Saturday.
Elena Rybakina defeats Jelena Ostapenko in Italian Open semifinal
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