Rybakina begins on a roll in Dubai

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina carried her Grand Slam momentum into the WTA Dubai tournament on Tuesday with a quick 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Kimberly Birrell

The match was the first for the Kazakh winner since she won the title in Melbourne just over a fortnight ago.

The world No. 3 has the chance to replace Iga Swiatek on the second ranking spot behind Aryna Sabalenka with a solid performance this week in the Gulf.

Rybakina has won 23 of her last 25 matches dating to 2025. She played the Dubai final six years ago and reached the final four a year ago, losing to eventual champion Mirra Andreeva.

“First rounds are always tough. You need to get used to the conditions,” the winner said.

“The schedule is quite packed for us. I’m happy I stayed solid and won this in straight sets.”

Rybakina said that good memories of the event are a plus for her.

 “My first big tournament I went pretty far was here (2020. I played Simona (Halep) . The stadium was packed. It was an amazing atmosphere. I’m happy to be back.”

Two-time champion Elina Svitolina advanced after one set as Dubai-based Paula Badosa added her name to the bulging list of tournament injury victims as she quit after dropping the first set 6-4.

2024 Dubai winner Jasmine Paolini copped an upset, losing 6-1, 7-6 (5) to on-form Filipina Alexandra Eala, an Auckland semi-finalist in January who reached last week’s Doha quarters.