Rybakina takes just 53 minutes to win Melbourne opener
Written by I Dig SportsElena Rybakina needed just 53 minutes to reach the Australian Open second round with a dominant win over Australian teenager Emerson Jones.
Kazakh Rybakina, runner-up in Melbourne in 2023, served 11 aces and hit 26 winners in a 6-1 6-1 win.
Rybakina's only moment of concern came as she attempted to serve out the first set, when three unforced errors gave Jones three break points.
But the sixth seed responded emphatically with four successive aces, before closing with a forehand winner to move halfway to victory.
Asked if she and coach Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion renowned for his serving, debate who has the best serve, Rybakina joked: "Maybe I need to to challenge him on the practice court, we will see."
Rybakina, Wimbledon champion in 2022 will meet American 17-year-old wildcard entry Iva Jovic next.
Soccer
Spurs hang on for vital 3-2 win over Hoffenheim
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-Min scored in each half to earn his side a crucial 3-2 victory a...
Araújo signs Barcelona contract through 2031
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRonald Araújo has signed a new contract with Barcelona, committing...
Man United finances risk 'danger' of PSR breach
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsManchester United said on Thursday that they are "in danger" of bre...
Basketball
Sources: Bucks' Jackson to be in dunk contest
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMilwaukee Bucks forward Andre Jackson Jr. has committed to the slam...
Spoelstra to Heat on Butler's ban: 'Get over it'
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra delivered a message to...
Baseball
Lawsuit: Ex-Yankee Rivera failed to protect girl
EmailPrintNEW YORK -- New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife are accused in a lawsuit o...
A's add '89 Series MVP Stewart to front office
EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Former World Series MVP Dave Stewart is...