Australian Open: Rybakina ousts Yastremska despite back injury

Elena Rybakina will be in the last 16 in Melbourne.

The Kazakh, now coached by Goran Ivanisevic, is back at the forefront of the game after a 2024 marked by repeated physical problems which prevented her from playing a series of tournaments.

Opposed by Dayana Yastremska, who gave up just one game to Danka Kovinic in the previous round, the world No.7 was facing her first real test of the tournament against a player who reached the semi-finals in Melbourne last year. World No.33, the Ukrainian has a big stake in this tournament.

Despite a back problem, Rybakina got the job done and won in two sets (6-3, 6-4). She will face the winner of the 100% American match-up between Madison Keys and Danielle Collins.

However, Rybakina was less than reassuring about her state of health moments after winning the match.

"I don't necessarily feel any better, it happened suddenly so I didn't know how it would evolve. I hope my physio can work miracles," said the Wimbledon 2022 winner.

For her part, Yastremska will fall in the rankings and drop out of the top 70 after failing to defend the points she earned at last year's Australian Open.