"Flopping at Cincinnati Open to party with her besties" "Always serves face" - Fans react to Elena Rybakina's night out in New York ahead of US Open
Elena Rybakina arrived in New York ahead of the 2024 US Open, kicking off her stay with a fun night out with friends. Tennis fans have shared hilarious reactions to the Kazakh's outing, especially as it follows on the back of her disappointing Cincinnati Open campaign.
After lingering illness issues forced her withdrawal from the Canadian Open, Rybakina commenced her North American hardcourt swing at the Cincinnati Open. However, her campaign was short-lived, as she was ousted from the WTA 1000 event by Leylah Fernandez in her opening match.
After clinching the first set, the World No. 4 had the chance to seal her victory with two match points at 6-5 in the second set. However, a pair of costly double faults allowed Fernandez to mount a comeback and secure a 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory. The 25-year-old's poor performance was compounded by her recording 50 unforced errors, including 17 double faults.
Elena Rybakina has since touched down in New York for the US Open, opting to take advantage of her unexpected time off by enjoying a night out with her friends.
Fans couldn't help but joke about the World No. 4 "flopping" intentionally at the Cincinnati Open to spend more time with her friends in New York.
"Flopping in cincy to party with her besties oh i get her," one fan commented.
"Tanked first round intentionally for NYC nights...queen of idgafstan," another fan chimed in.
"She clowned us with that 2 mp cause she remembered her meeting with girls on NY and was like «Oh yeah actually, f**k it» 😭😭😭," a fan remarked.
Given the Kazakh's poor serving performance in her loss at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati, several fans quipped that she had "served" better with her look for her night out.
"Served better here than the fernandez match," one fan joked.
"Dropped her serve in cincy so she could do it here, oh queeen," another fan quipped.
"Maybe she can’t serve in court but she always serves face 💋💋💋," said another.
Meanwhile, others were pleased to see Elena Rybakina enjoying herself with her friends.
"Great to see her happy and enjoying life!" one fan posted.
"So good to see her happy and with friends," another fan chimed in.
Elena Rybakina gears up to hunt for 2nd Major title at US Open 2024
Elena Rybakina will be on the hunt for her second Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open, aiming to match the heights of her triumph at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
The Kazakh has recorded disappointing results at the Majors this year, suffering a shock second-round exit at the Australian Open, being upset by Jasmine Paolini in the French Open quarterfinals, and falling short against eventual champion Barbora Krejcikova in the semifinals of the grasscourt Major.
Elena Rybakina, who lost in the third round of the New York Major last year, will face formidable competition from the likes of 2022 US Open winner Iga Swiatek, reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and defending champion Coco Gauff on her return to Flushing Meadows.