Melbourne, Jan. 26 -- Elena Rybakina was dialed in from the first point on Monday, blitzing 21st seed Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-3 to punch her ticket to the Australian Open 2026 quarterfinals.
From the opening game, you could see why she's a serious threat. Rybakina saved the only break point she faced with a 175 km/h ace-just setting the tone. From there, it was all power and precision.
She hit 32 winners, including 10 aces, and won 72 per cent of her first-serve points, controlling the court with that heavy forehand and a backhand that can open up any angle.
Mertens tried to stay in it as she fended off four early break points, but Rybakina's combination of strength and timing proved too much. By the time she served for the first set at 5-0...