Elena Rybakina halted Zhang Shuai’s Brisbane International campaign on Tuesday, Jan. 6, delivering a 6-3, 7-5 victory to secure her place in the third round. The third-seeded Kazakh needed just over an hour to seal the win at the Australian Open warm-up event.

Zhang, ranked No. 79 in the world, entered the match after a demanding week that included two three-set qualifiers and a three-set first-round battle. Despite the physical toll, the Chinese veteran pushed Rybakina through extended rallies and pressured her late in both sets.

The opening set appeared one-sided early as Rybakina surged to a 5-1 lead with aggressive baseline play. Zhang responded by lifting her level and clawing back games, forcing longer exchanges and disrupting the rhythm of the higher-ranked opponent.

Rybakina steadied herself by raising her intensity on serve and first-ball attacks. She closed the set without allowing the momentum to fully swing in Zhang’s favor.

Serve makes the difference

The second set proved far more competitive, with Zhang refusing to fade and repeatedly testing Rybakina’s consistency. The Chinese veteran forced tight service games and kept the scoreboard close deep into the set.

Rybakina later described the contest as physically and mentally demanding, particularly given her limited match play since November. She said she was pleased with how she regrouped during key moments to regain control.

Ultimately, Rybakina’s serve separated the two players. She fired 16 aces, including a decisive one on her second match point after Zhang successfully defended the first.

Next challenge awaits

With the victory, Rybakina moved one step closer to sharpening her form ahead of the Australian Open. The Brisbane event marks her first competitive appearance since capturing the WTA Finals title late last season.

She will next face either Paula Badosa or Marie Bouzkova for a spot in the quarterfinals. The matchup will offer another test as Rybakina continues her early-season buildup.

Zhang, meanwhile, exits Brisbane after an encouraging run through qualifying and the main draw. Her performance suggested growing match fitness despite the straight-sets result.