Elena Rybakina Advances to Round of 16 at Madrid Open After Comeback Victory

Madrid, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan’s top tennis player Elena Rybakina continued her impressive campaign at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, advancing to the round of 16 following a hard-fought victory in the third round, according to the Kazakh Tennis Federation.

Rybakina overcame China’s Zheng Qinwen, the world No. 32 and reigning Olympic champion, in a المباراة that lasted 2 hours and 21 minutes. After dropping the opening set, Rybakina mounted a strong comeback to secure a 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 win.

The Kazakh star delivered seven aces during the match, while significantly improving her first-serve accuracy and reducing unforced errors after the first set.

With the victory, Rybakina moves into the last 16 and will next compete for a place in the quarterfinals against the winner of the match between Anastasia Potapova and Jelena Ostapenko.

Rybakina’s continued strong performance underscores her status as one of the tournament’s key contenders as she aims for a deep run in Madrid.