Rybakina fights back to beat Collins; into Abu Dhabi quarterfinals
No.1 seed Elena Rybakina comes from a set and a break down to defeat Danielle Collins in the second round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
Rybakina's Comeback Victory
No.1 seed Elena Rybakina fought back from a set and a break down to defeat Danielle Collins in the second round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. The match lasted 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Rybakina now holds a 3-1 record against Collins, having won their last three encounters in three-set matches. This win moves Rybakina into her third quarterfinal of the year.
Rybakina's History in Abu Dhabi
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina has always made it to the quarterfinals whenever she has played in Abu Dhabi. However, she has fallen at that stage in the past two years. This time, she looks to break through to her first semifinal in Abu Dhabi.
Her next opponent will be lucky loser Cristina Bucsa, who earned her spot in the quarterfinals by defeating qualifier Heather Watson in a close match.
Second Round Highlights
Collins, fresh off a first-round victory over Naomi Osaka, started the match strong, delivering a high-octane first set. She hit a series of winners, particularly off her backhand side.
In the second set, Collins took an early break lead, but Rybakina quickly responded with a break of her own. Rybakina then went on to win four consecutive games to take the set.
In the deciding set, both players exchanged breaks early on, but it was Rybakina who made the breakthrough in the fifth game, eventually clinching the victory.
