World number six Elena Rybakina made a winning start to her 2025 season as she guided Kazakhstan to a 2-1 victory over Spain in the United Cup on Friday. The former Wimbledon champion, who won the prestigious title in 2022, clinched the opening tie of the 18-nation mixed-team event, which is being held in Perth and Sydney.
Rybakina delivered a dominant performance in her singles match, defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-3 to put Kazakhstan 1-0 up. However, Alexander Shevchenko fell to Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta 6-2, 6-1, leaving the tie hanging in the balance as the mixed doubles showdown loomed.
In the decisive mixed-doubles match, Rybakina teamed up with Shevchenko to defeat Carreno Busta and Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (2/7), 10-7 in a thrilling 82-minute contest.
“It was a really tough one; first matches are always difficult,” Rybakina said after the victory. “It’s not easy to get used to it that quickly, but I’m really happy with the way I played today.”
Shevchenko, who credited Rybakina for “carrying” him through the tense match, praised his teammate’s resilience. “Her fighting spirit got us over the line in that final set,” he said.
Kazakhstan’s victory was the highlight of the opening day, with China taking on Brazil in the night session in Perth. The Sydney leg of the tournament kicks off on Saturday.
