Ashlyn Krueger pulled off an impressive victory against Elena Rybakina, overcoming the former Wimbledon champion in a thrilling three-set encounter. In a match filled with momentum swings, Krueger displayed resilience and clutch play, ultimately prevailing 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. However, it’s clear that Rybakina is struggling.
Ashlyn Krueger Holds Strong to Take the First Set Against Elena Rybakina
Ashlyn Krueger put on an impressive performance in the first set against Elena Rybakina, holding serve under pressure and making the most of her opportunities.
Rybakina, the higher-ranked player, started confidently, holding serve in the opening game. Krueger responded in kind before seizing an early advantage by breaking Rybakina in the third game to take a 2-1 lead. The American consolidated her break with a hold, extending her advantage to 3-1.
Despite Rybakina stabilizing her game and holding serve twice to stay in touch, Krueger remained composed, holding serve each time she was under pressure. The Kazakh couldn’t find a breakthrough on return, allowing Krueger to serve for the set at 5-4. She held her nerve, closing it out 6-4 to take a one-set lead.
Krueger’s consistency on serve and ability to capitalize on a single break of serve proved to be the difference in the set. Rybakina needed to raise her level in the second set to turn things around.
Rybakina Takes Control to Force a Decider
Elena Rybakina responded strongly in the second set, raising her level to overpower Ashlyn Krueger and take it 6-2.
Both players held serve comfortably in the early stages, reaching 2-2 without facing much trouble. However, from that point on, Rybakina took control. The Kazakh applied pressure on Krueger’s serve in the sixth game, earning a crucial break to go up 4-2. She backed it up with a solid hold before breaking Krueger once more to seal the set 6-2.
Rybakina’s return game improved significantly, and she won four consecutive games to shift the momentum in her favor. With the match now level at one set apiece, the deciding set promised to be an intense battle.
Ashlyn Krueger Triumphs in a Tight Decider
Ashlyn Krueger edged out Elena Rybakina in a tense final set, securing a 6-4 victory to seal the match. The set started evenly, with both players holding serve comfortably to reach 2-2. However, Krueger struck first, breaking Rybakina in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead.
With momentum on her side, Krueger consolidated her break and moved ahead 4-2. Rybakina fought back, holding serve for 4-3 and putting pressure on Krueger’s next service game. The eighth game proved crucial, as Rybakina earned a breakpoint that could have brought her back on serve. But Krueger held her nerve, saving the break chance and closing out the game to maintain her lead at 5-3.
Despite Rybakina holding serve to stay in the match, Ashlyn Krueger confidently served it out at 5-4, securing a hard-fought victory. The American’s ability to hold in the high-pressure eighth game ultimately made the difference in the set.
Conclusion: A Statement Win for Krueger
Krueger’s victory over Rybakina marks an important milestone in her career, showing her ability to compete against top-ranked players. Her clutch serving and ability to fend off breakpoints in key moments made the difference. For Rybakina, the loss will be a disappointment after a strong second set.
Elena Rybakina’s struggle to win titles can be attributed to a mix of health issues, coaching instability, and inconsistent performances. Ongoing immune system problems and insomnia have affected her physical condition, while the suspension of her coach Stefano Vukov and a brief trial with Goran Ivanisevic have disrupted her coaching setup. Additionally, her form has fluctuated, as seen in her loss to 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells, where she hit just four winners against 33 unforced errors. And now, she’s out of the Miami Open before it even started.
Something needs to change.
And quickly.
Highlights of R2 Miami Open 2025 duel between Ashlyn Krueger and Elena Rybakina